Written by The Banking Post
The government has moved to upgrade local infrastructure in Dhaka South City Corporation’s newly added wards, with the Local Government Division (LGD) proposing a Tk 9.79 billion project to improve roads and drainage in 18 areas incorporated into DSCC in 2016.
Sources at the Planning Commission said the Physical Infrastructure Division has already reviewed the proposal at a Project Evaluation Committee (PEC) meeting and agreed in principle to recommend it for approval, subject to major revisions and clarifications.
The project aims to develop 123.53 kilometres of local roads, alongside drainage works, streetlights and related facilities. Of the total allocation, Tk 9.06 billion—more than 92 per cent—has been earmarked for road and drain construction alone.
However, the PEC flagged serious gaps in the development project proposal (DPP). It noted that the submission lacked detailed designs, drawings, unit cost breakdowns and the basis for cost estimates.
“The committee has asked the LGD to revise the DPP by incorporating detailed cost calculations, technical designs and supporting documents,” a senior official involved in the review said.
Cost estimates also came under scrutiny. The proposal sets road construction costs at Tk 49.7 million per kilometre, drains at Tk 25.1 million per kilometre, and streetlights at Tk 90,000 per unit, figures the PEC described as high. The LGD has been asked to justify these costs with comparative data to ensure value for money.
An LGD official said the project is critical as nearly 361 kilometres—about 60 per cent—of the total 602 kilometres of roads in the 18 wards remain earthen and are in poor condition. Only about 242 kilometres have been developed under previous schemes.
He added that inadequate drainage has made waterlogging a persistent problem, with even light rainfall disrupting daily life for residents.
According to the proposal, the project seeks to modernise the road network, reduce waterlogging, ease traffic congestion, improve traffic management and ensure safer pedestrian movement, ultimately raising living standards in the affected wards.
The document also highlights Dhaka’s broader urban challenges. With a population nearing 20 million, the capital remains one of the world’s most densely populated cities, grappling with congestion, environmental stress and rising road accidents.
In 2016, the government expanded the boundaries of Dhaka North and South city corporations, adding eight unions to each. The areas integrated into DSCC include Shyampur, Matuail, Demra, Dhania, Sarulia, Dakshingaon, Nasirabad and Manda.
Before final approval, the PEC has asked the LGD to include a clear project management framework, detailed technical specifications, a coordinated utility relocation plan with no-objection certificates, environmental clearance from the Department of Environment, and an exit plan outlining post-project operation and maintenance.
Only after these conditions are met is the project expected to move to the approval stage.
