THE Tk 16.62-crore Dhanmondi Lake project is deadlocked — thanks to the 'untiring efforts’ of various ministries and organisations, including the Dhaka City Corporation, to ensure It that way. The finance ministry has also chipped in by sitting pretty on the file released by the ECNEC on revised estimates. Here is another case of non-performance and compliance by the ministries of LG RD and Works and the DCC despite the directives of the Prime Minister herself to speed up things. The recovery of almost five bighas (98 kathas) of lakeside land from 42 influential encroachers is still a far cry as the LORD Ministry and the Public Works Ministry seem hypnotised by the flurry of lobbying from the Illegal occupants of lakeside lands. This is a vivid picture of how the government agencies fo about their Jobs in matters of public interest, lut they are very alert when it comes to their own benefit as the DCC people are alleged to have lost interest in the lake project because the 17 new commercial structures' may slip out of their hands thereby depriving' them of an Income opportunity. And once again the story of putting the cart before the horse Is back on roll as the management policy for the lake's renovation is yet to be prepared and accepted.

It seems too many cooks are around to spoil the broth. Everyone is shouting and no one Is listening. The inhabitants of this posh and old residential area must also voice their concern for the stalemate in the execution of a project that, among other things, promises to greatly Improve the sanitary conditions In the area and provide a healthy atmosphere to their children. The government, for its part, should get a move on rightaway.

THE Tk 16.62-crore Dhanmondi Lake project is deadlocked — thanks to the 'untiring efforts’ of various ministries and organisations, including the Dhaka City Corporation, to ensure It that way. The finance ministry has also chipped in by sitting pretty on the file released by the ECNEC on revised estimates. Here is another case of non-performance and compliance by the ministries of LG RD and Works and the DCC despite the directives of the Prime Minister herself to speed up things. The recovery of almost five bighas (98 kathas) of lakeside land from 42 influential encroachers is still a far cry as the LORD Ministry and the Public Works Ministry seem hypnotised by the flurry of lobbying from the Illegal occupants of lakeside lands. This is a vivid picture of how the government agencies fo about their Jobs in matters of public interest, lut they are very alert when it comes to their own benefit as the DCC people are alleged to have lost interest in the lake project because the 17 new commercial structures' may slip out of their hands thereby depriving' them of an Income opportunity. And once again the story of putting the cart before the horse Is back on roll as the management policy for the lake's renovation is yet to be prepared and accepted.

It seems too many cooks are around to spoil the broth. Everyone is shouting and no one Is listening. The inhabitants of this posh and old residential area must also voice their concern for the stalemate in the execution of a project that, among other things, promises to greatly Improve the sanitary conditions In the area and provide a healthy atmosphere to their children. The government, for its part, should get a move on rightaway.