DNCC budget, 2023-24

The budget announced by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) for the fiscal year 2023-24 on Monday last is certainly not an ambitious one. It has increased by just Tk2.20 billion from Tk50.49 billion in the previous fiscal, 2022-23. Given the depreciation of taka, the allocation in real term this time would be less than the previous fiscal's.  Of the Tk52.69 billion budget, Tk18.30 is likely to come from its revenue income, Tk 147.5 million from other sources and the larger share is expected in the form of aid and assistance from the government and external sources. 

The indication is clear that the city corporations have to look to the greater contribution, estimated in case of the DNCC at Tk23.89 billion, from foreign aid and assistance for development projects. There are miles to go before the municipalities and city corporations in Bangladesh garner enough revenue income to overcome dependence on foreign aid. Sure enough, the income stands to be augmented significantly if illegal toll collection from and undervaluation of some key sources such as the three bus terminals, property and infrastructure can be done away with and the city corporations' valid revenue income ensured. 

Also, it is highly important to use the allocations for pragmatically prepared development projects. When footpaths, median strips of roads and traffic islands in perfect conditions are repaired or redesigned with bricks of different sizes and shapes or railings no matter if such acts involve mayhem of trees, those are strangely passed as development work or beautification. This happens at a time when roads, lanes and by-lanes with potholes and in deplorable conditions elsewhere are overlooked year after year. There is no dearth of excuses for wasting money in the name of flimsy development projects to the neglect of uniform development of all areas in the city.

Donors and aid agencies are tightening their fists following the worldwide economic downturn. The emerging situation demands that every available dollar or taka is spent prudently. In this context, the allocation of Tk 1.14 billion the DNCC has proposed to spend on eradication of mosquitoes may once again go down the drain. Tk 450 million of that amount will be used only for pesticides. Now the question is, what kind of chemical compounds they will be. Organophosphates and adulticides are used in the USA for controlling mosquitoes. On his return from a visit to the US, the mayor of Dhaka North categorically stated fumigation is a futile exercise. Will he waste more money on fumigation or procure organophosphates and adulticides to fight mosquitoes and dengue under a coordinated programme?                  

However, the DNCC deserves appreciation for setting aside Tk2.2 million for plantation and nurturing of 0.20 million saplings in the next two years. What is particularly pleasing is that saplings of indigenous trees like chhatim (blackboard tree, scholar tree, milkwood and devil's tree), bakul (bullet wood), kath badam (almond), krishnachura (flamboyant), sonalu (golden shower) will adorn the median strips and footpaths of DNCC roads. Neem (Indian lilac), Sonajhuri or akashmoni (acacia) and naglingam (cannonball) are well qualified to be added to the list. Equally appreciable is the plan to plant indigenous fruit trees on the banks of canals reclaimed from grabbers. But excavated canals' maintenance matters and those yet to be reclaimed have to be taken up for restoring their free flow of water. A heated up capital city could not do with less.