ARUN BIKASH DEY, Chattogram

The Chattogram City Corporation’s (CCC) move to centralise door-to-door waste collection has faltered, leaving large swathes of the port city grappling with uncollected garbage and a resurgence of unauthorised fee collection.

Barely a month after Mayor Shahadat Hossain scrapped the private vendor-based system and declared a “free” service from April, residents say the new arrangement has devolved into “a complete shambles”.

In neighbourhoods such as Jamal Khan, Shulakbahar, Patharghata and North Kattali, waste collection has become erratic. Locals report that the daily visits once ensured by private van pullers have largely disappeared, resulting in piles of garbage clogging bins and alleyways.

“The van pullers used to come every morning. Now, we don’t see them for three days straight,” said Mohammad Ismail of Sholoshahar, adding, “The garbage is piling up, creating an unbearable stench.”

Visits to several areas, including Jamal Khan By-Lane, Hem Sen Lane, Momin Road and Anderkilla, found bins overflowing with household waste.

Although CCC Secretary Mohammad Ashraful Amin has warned that no third party is authorised to collect fees, residents allege that “shadow vendors”, including former workers, are demanding Tk 50-100 per household. Many say they pay out of fear their waste will otherwise be left unattended.

Nasir Ahmed of Bibir Hat said fee collection persists despite the mayor’s declaration.

CCC officials, however, insist services are continuing. “Our conservancy workers regularly collect wastes from the houses,” said Deputy Chief Conservancy Officer Pranab Kanti Sharma. The corporation has deployed around 2,000 cleaners to replace the previous decentralised system.

Yet logistical gaps remain stark. Of the almost 3,000 tonnes of waste generated daily, CCC can handle only about 2,500 tonnes, leaving roughly 500 tonnes accumulating in drains and canals, according to a 2022 study by Cuet’s civil engineering department.

Defending the decision, Mayor Shahadat said the fee-based system was scrapped due to public reluctance to pay and multiple complaints. “We have coordinated our employees with the current vendors and are providing subsidies. Now, waste collection is being managed directly by the City Corporation,” he said.

With the monsoon approaching, residents fear the situation could get worsen. “If the system isn’t streamlined immediately, the first heavy rain will wash this garbage into the drainage network, paralysing the streets,” warned Soumen Barua of Jamal Khan.