Dhaka South launches 'City Inspector' programme to boost cleanliness awareness

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) launched a 'City Inspector' programme to raise public awareness on cleanliness and hygiene among residents, kicking off with a six-month pilot project titled 'Porichhhanna Angina' (Clean Premises) in the ward no. 9 of Motijheel area in the capital today (10 June).

The programme is being funded by Aachi Bangladesh (American Affordable Community Healthcare Initiative) and will run until 9 December. Twenty city inspectors will work at the field level, with Motijheel divided into 10 zones.

DSCC Administrator Md Abdus Salam inaugurated the programme at an event held at Nagar Bhaban under the theme 'We change ourselves, Dhaka will change.'

Speaking at the inauguration, Salam said keeping a city clean is not the sole responsibility of the city corporation; it requires awareness and active participation from citizens. 

He said if every home, shop, and institution keeps its premises clean, the entire city becomes liveable, and described ward no. 9 as a potential model for all other wards if the pilot proves successful.

He added that the primary role of the city inspectors will be to raise awareness and help build a culture of cleanliness. 

Noting the close link between hygiene and public health, he said the initiative would make a meaningful contribution to residents' wellbeing, and that greater civic awareness could significantly reduce dengue outbreaks, dust, air pollution, and waterlogging.

As part of the programme, inspectors will visit homes, shops, and institutions to distribute awareness leaflets, identify potential Aedes mosquito breeding sites, and offer guidance. 

They will also monitor whether residents are disposing of waste at designated spots and behaving responsibly regarding cleanliness. 

The administrator said there are plans to publicly share data on both responsible and irresponsible behaviour under the project.