It is frustrating that many streets in Dhaka remain in a state of disrepair even months after being dug up by different utility service providers. The ubiquity of the problem is evident across the city, with our correspondents reporting unfinished trenches and piles of debris in many areas. These roads have become quite treacherous, with rickshaw wheels getting stuck and pedestrians tripping over loose soil and rubble. Many people, while talking to this daily, have complained about facing various problems. As well as risks of accidents, unrepaired roads are causing air pollution, traffic congestion, losses for businesses, and even forced relocation.

A glaring example is a kilometre-long stretch of Falpatti Road in West Senpara, where trenches dug nearly a year ago to upgrade Dhaka Wasa's supply line remain unrepaired. Not far away, a trench dug by Dhaka Electric Supply Company Ltd (Desco) along the western lane of Begum Rokeya Sarani connecting Kazipara to Mirpur-10 has been left half-filled. A similar situation, this time involving Dhaka Power Distribution Company Ltd (DPDC), is also unfolding on the road from Sipahibagh to Khilgaon Chowrasta. Documents show that in November last year, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) approved road-cutting permits for 19 individuals and nine service-providing organisations in 44 areas. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) also granted road excavation permissions for around 10 locations in February.

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Timely road repairs are vitally needed

The question is, why are roads being dug without following guidelines or left without repairs? The 2019 Road Excavation Policy is quite clear in this regard: excavation should be done in only small sections at a time, with all work to be completed within 15 days, and roads promptly reinforced with sand and bricks. Additionally, debris should be cleared within 24 hours. Further provisions require that both the excavated road and its surface drains be thoroughly cleaned after completion. In reality, these guidelines are seldom enforced. Apparently, road repairs are the responsibility of city corporations. Utility service providers claim that they pay advance fees before obtaining permission to dig, and once their work is completed, corporations are supposed to handle the repairs.

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The sorry state of Dhaka’s road dividers

Be that as it may, contractors and utility service providers cannot evade responsibility for violating multiple aspects of the excavation policy. While talking to this daily, the DNCC chief engineer said that preparations are underway to repair all dug-up roads by April 14. But given city corporations' track records, we remain sceptical. We urge the authorities to ensure no further delays so that the public can travel hassle-free. Non-compliant contractors must also be held accountable through fines and blacklisting.