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‘Life seemed better under union parishad’

The plight of DNCC wards 52, 53 under zone 6
In July 2017, Dhaka North City Corporation took 18 wards under its wing, which were previously under the union parishad system. It divided the newly added wards into 5 zones. While this move came with a promise of development for these wards, the reality after five years is way far from that. They remain as backward as they used to be, if not more. The Daily Star explored the plight of these neglected wards in a five-story series. Today we look into wards 52 and 53 under zone 6.
Shamim Hossain, a youth of Chondalvog area, said, “Our standard of living is significantly lower than Uttara, though it’s just a few kilometres away.”
DIPAN NANDY AND ARAFAT RAHAMAN
If anyone visits the capital’s Uttara area, they will find some attractive wide roads, surrounded by high-rise buildings, like the ones we see in a modern city. Expensive cars and other vehicles regularly pass through these roads.
But just a few metres ahead, when they reach Ranabhola Bazar after crossing Sector-10, they will be astounded to see the same city in such a disarray.
Ranabhola Bazar, which was previously under Harirampur union, became a part of Dhaka North City Corporation in 2017, but is yet to see any development.
While visiting wards 52 and 53 (under zone 6), these correspondents were having trouble realising that these areas are part of the capital. Residents living in that area are completely deprived of civic amenities.
ROADS IN RUINS
In a recent visit, these correspondents found that the roads in Baunia area under ward-52 were dilapidated, filled with numerous potholes.
The situation deteriorates during monsoon when the entire area goes under filthy, foul smelling water. The same scenario was found while visiting ward-53, which stretches from Dharangartek intersection to Nayanagar Chairman Bari Mor via Tetultola area. The road from Ranabhola Bottola to Nayanagar Chairman Bari Mor through Bamnartek also resembles the poor condition of the newly-added wards.
Bamnartek’s roads are mostly made of earth. When it rains, the roads go in ruins, making it more difficult for vehicles to travel on them. According to residents, this increases the risk of accidents.
Patients who need to go to hospitals become the worst sufferers, they said.
Ayesha Siddiqa, a Bamnartek resident who is currently pregnant, stated that she recently fell from an auto-rickshaw and was severely injured while on her way to see a doctor. Many of the residents of the area shared similar ordeals.
POOR DRAINAGE, MOSQUITO MENACE
Locals alleged that due to absence of a proper drainage network and sewage system, roads often get muddy or submerged in knee-deep water even after a short spell of rain. Besides, as there is no designated garbage disposal area, waste spreads to different places during this time.
As a result, the localities become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, making residents vulnerable to dengue fever.
Abdul Mazid, a resident of Nalbhog area, said, “Despite our initial high hopes, the situation has remained unchanged even five years after our area became a part of DNCC.”
“Elections come, we cast our votes, we see new councillors, but our conditions remain unchanged,” he added.
SECURITY CONCERNS
Though a large number of residents live in these areas, there are no sufficient street lights along the roads. As a result, people are afraid to step outside after dark.
Residents of Badaldi, Uludaha, Chandura, Mandurah, Sholati, Dalipara, Ahalia, Pakuria and Balijuri areas shared similar experiences.
NO WATER SUPPLY
Residents of ward-53 also alleged that there is shortage of pure drinking water as Wasa does not provide services in their locality. So, they have no choice but to drink water from shallow tube-wells, which are mostly contaminated with iron. Often, people suffer from different waterborne diseases due to this.
Shamim Hossain, a youth of Chondalvog area, said, “Our standard of living is significantly lower than Uttara, though it’s just a few kilometres away.”
“What I can’t fathom is that we used to have some sort of development activities in our localities when we were under the union parishad. Our condition worsened when we integrated with the city corporation, although it was supposed to improve,” he added.
NO PLAYGROUND
Contrary to the tall claims of city authorities building a playground in every ward, there’s not a single field or open space for children in wards 52 and 53.
Shariful Alam of Dolipara under ward-52, said, “Buildings in this area are being constructed without any proper planning. As a result, it’s eating up all the open spaces and playgrounds for our children.”
COUNCILLORS’ TAKE
Contacted, councillors of the wards expressed frustration and said they are under pressure from people, as the constituencies did not see any development work since their inclusion under DNCC.
Md Farid Ahmed, councillor of ward-52, said, “I have already constructed three new roads, and installed street lights in some areas, but could not continue further development projects, due to insufficient budget.”
Md Nasir Uddin, councillor of ward-53, said, “I have already informed higher authorities to provide me with sufficient budget. We are hopeful to start developing new roads, along with drainage systems soon.”