Taposh claims success in mosquito eradication

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has claimed success in curbing mosquito menace in the first year of his tenure as he said none in his area died from dengue during this time.   

"We emphasized mosquito control from the very beginning so that the city dwellers do not have to face the painful experience of dengue amid the coronavirus pandemic. We have succeeded. There was no death from dengue in the last one year," he told a press conference Wednesday at Nagar Bhaban, marking the completion of the first year of his stint.

"Although the menace of culex mosquitoes rose slightly in January and February this year, our effective measures subsequently brought culex population under control within two weeks," he said.

"We have been able to instill confidence in Dhakaites that the city corporation is capable of controlling mosquitoes. We are hopeful about protecting the city dwellers from the mosquito outbreak this season too."  

Mayor Taposh said the city dwellers welcomed his outlines about a modern Dhaka mentioned in his election manifesto, and gave him the opportunity to serve the people.

Mentioning that Dhaka south has constructed six new waste transfer stations in the last one year, the mayor said, "We will complete the construction of eight more by June. By 2021, we will be able to complete the construction of 75 waste transfer stations in all 75 wards ending the waste dumping on open spaces.

He said Dhaka south has taken an initiative to install road lights in areas without street lamps.  

"If there are any complaints about street lights in our areas, we are taking immediate action. So now there are no more issues about street lights," said Taposh.

He also elaborated the Tk125 crore road infrastructure development and renovation work that will end in the current fiscal year. Besides, minor renovation works are underway in different areas.

The mayor said Dhaka south has been carrying out clean-up, eviction and excavation of canals and box culverts since January. The city corporation removed more than 10 lakh tonnes of solid waste and silt from the canals and box culverts, and the water flow has increased substantially.

"Of the six pumps Dhaka south received from Wasa, we have already repaired three in Kamalapur and Dholaikhal, and are now trying to activate the remaining three. At the same time, we are in the final stages of purchasing 30 mobile pumps," added the mayor.

At the press conference, he said he repaired and developed 120 km road, construct 90 km drainage, construct and develop 45 km footpath and set up three foot over-bridges in the last one year.     

Taposh also said construction of two more foot over-bridges and three community centres, and development of three graveyards and one crematorium are underway.