Chattogram:The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is contemplating a grant of approximately Taka 120 crore aimed at modernising the waste management system in Chattogram. The proposed grant is expected to fund over 50 modern waste-collection vehicles along with essential equipment needed for landfill operations, significantly enhancing the city's waste collection and transportation capacity.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the initiative includes the construction of a new modern sanitary landfill. A JICA delegation recently met with Dr. Shahadat Hossain, the Administrator of the Chattogram City Corporation (CCC), to discuss the project at the City Corporation building. The Government of Japan has already approved a feasibility study for this proposed project, with JICA's expert mission from its headquarters scheduled to visit Chattogram this December. The final decision regarding the grant approval will be based on the outcomes of the feasibility study.
The meeting emphasized the necessity of building a new sanitary landfill to ensure sustainable waste management. The CCC has acquired 28 acres of land in the Fateyabad Nandirhat area, which includes an 18-acre plot and an adjacent 10-acre plot, designated for the landfill project. Hideki Osawa, Senior Representative of JICA Bangladesh, mentioned that a technical assistance team from JICA is collaborating with the CCC on designs and the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) to expedite the preparation of the Development Project Proposal (DPP) for the new landfill.
Dr. Shahadat Hossain expressed gratitude towards JICA for their ongoing support and assured that the CCC would provide the necessary assistance to ensure the feasibility study's successful completion. He also requested JICA's technical support in managing and developing the CCC's existing landfill sites alongside the new project. Emphasizing the importance of infrastructure and modern technology, Dr. Hossain highlighted their role in transforming the city's waste management system into one that is modern, eco-friendly, and sustainable.
The meeting saw the presence of several key figures, including Captain Shamim Mohammad Khan, Chief Conservancy Officer of CCC; Md. Anisur Rahman, Chief Engineer of CCC; Md. Abdullah Bin Hossain, Programme Manager of JICA Bangladesh; along with JICA expert team members Takatoshi Arai, Hirofumi Miyoshi, Satoshi Higashinakagawa, and Engineer Golam Sarwar.