THE question is are our roads inadequate for the number of vehicles and pedestrians, or are we simply a nation of indisctpllned road users? The latter is perhaps more the reason for the terrible mess that is the traffic in Dhaka City today- In our everyday bid to outsmart each other tn reaching our destination quickly, w end up creating blockages that is devouring priceless working hours with a telling effect on our economy.

The general concern at the prevailing hapless situation was aptly demonstrated by the participation of almost all the liable parties, and several concerned citizens as individuals and watchdog organisations, at the workshop convened by The Dally Star and the Bangladesh Scouts on 29 April 2000 at the Scout Bhaban.

While it was apparent that we still suffer from our hereditary malady of not shouldering responsibility for any matter even directly under our care. It was encouraging to see some top executives including the no-nonsense DC (Traffic), the equally forthright RAJUK chairman and the very frank BRTC chairman rising to self-criticism.

Of paramount urgency at the moment is strengthening an empowering of the implementing agencies involved in managing the city traffic. No one

disagreed that the traffic police were hopelessly outnumbered and underpaid, though not many were willing allow that as an excuse for the lethargy and corruption that now rules the streets.

The idea of multi-storied car parking on khas land in commercial areas seemed a popular concept, as most speakers spoke of the horrendous problem of parking in busy areas. It was suggested that private entrepreneurs should be encouraged to turn the scheme into a profitable venture.

As a matter of fact, in any respect of development the private sector must be provided with equal opportunity if democracy Is to survive. Perhaps a worse alternative would be to privatise without creating an efficient private sector.

It seems that the authorities are failing in intersection management for reasons as varied as overriding of electronic signals by the police, lack of will force to enforce legislation. dearth of effective manpower, non co-operation by local businessmen who encourage pressure groups, and poor driving in general

The workshop was convinced that there would be no respite from the chock-a-block traffic In the City unless inter-district bus and truck terminal facilities are located beyond the

City limits. Though it is only a few years since Saidabad. Mo-hakhali and Gabtall were set up. apparently outside the city limits, the fast expanding City has swallowed all three.

The recently introduced oneway system in the city obviously came up for discussion and the house seemed divided on its effect. While the police mentioned pressure from various sources to revert to the original. some experts rebuked he authorities for hurriedly undertaking the scheme without forewarning and more planning that should have gone Into It.

Mass transport system, above ground or under, is much talked about in any discussion on Dhaka's traffic. And. the workshop on April 29 was no different. A lot of time is wasted by almost everyone on the road everyday. It is simply poor economics in terms of man hours lost and fuel burnt without even considering the ill effect the alarming situation has on health.

Other ideas well received at the Daily Star-Bangladesh Scouts workshop Included education of drivers, pedestrians, hawkers and the general public by using among others the electronic media, co-ordination between various stakeholders and the regulatory bodies, involvement of the community and community policing, and coordinated planning by the city's

development agencies.

It is now clear that some sort of co-ordinating cell, call it Mayor Hand's City Governorship or not, was essential to harmonise the works of WASA. DESA. PDB. Titas Gas. T&T. RAJUK and the City Corporation. Otherwise the city roads will continue to be dug at some point or the other. What a shameful waste of national resources?

The workshop promises a lot as the participants vowed to follow up on the recommendations in a month's time. That would be a very noble way to utilise our human resources.