Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has stopped the work of two under-construction buildings after finding larvae for the second time despite repeated warnings.
On Saturday morning, he interacted with the local people of Ward No. 51 in Sector No. 11 in the capital's Uttara and participated in the dengue awareness program titled 'Clean your home for ten minutes every Saturday at ten o'clock'.
After exchanging views with the local people, DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam visited some under-construction buildings. Meanwhile, numerous larvae were found in two under-construction buildings. In the presence of the Mayor, Regional Executive Officer and Executive Magistrate of Region 06 Sazia Afrin conducted the mobile court and fined the two buildings a total of six lakh taka and stopped the construction work.
DNCC Executive Magistrate Sazia Afrin also said that the construction work will be stopped until the Government Development Authority (RAJUK) and Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) give an undertaking that larvae will not be allowed to breed in this building in the future.
Meanwhile, DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam said, 'Dengue outbreak has increased due to climate change. We are conducting a month-long program to control dengue. We are conducting extensive awareness programs in every ward. Despite repeated warnings, many are not aware. This under construction building has been warned several times before. Despite being warned, they did not take action. Still seeing numerous larvae in the basement. This cannot be allowed to continue. We have stopped the construction of two buildings. There is no discount if you get larvae. The campaign will continue. Strict action will be taken.'
In the beginning, Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam exchanged views on various issues including dengue with various prominent people of Uttara, society leaders, imams of mosques and other professions.
Mayor said, 'Dengue must be controlled through social movements. Everyone should be aware. Dengue control is not possible if people do not cooperate. With the help of people, we were able to remove the sacrificial waste in just 12 hours. Therefore dengue can be completely controlled if people want. We encourage roof gardens. I will also give a prize for the roof garden. But the rules must be followed. Water cannot be allowed to accumulate in the roof garden.
Calling on children to learn about what to do to control dengue, the mayor said, 'everyone should know that Aedes mosquitoes do not breed in drain or sewer water. Aedes larvae grow in stagnant clear water. Care should be taken not to collect water in flower tubs, unused tires, tin shells, open packets of chips, various open containers, roof or anywhere else in your home. Dispose of accumulated clear water. Children should also be taught about this.
The subject should be included in the textbook. Everyone should be involved in dengue control.'
In response to a journalist's question, the DNCC Mayor said, besides conducting awareness activities and operations, we are providing dengue treatment. Dengue is being treated at DNCC Dedicated Covid Hospital. He also said that free dengue testing is being done in 46 maternity centers of DNCC.
After the speech, DNCC Mayor Md. Atiqul Islam himself got on the truck and made the people aware of dengue control by miking. Uttara went around some streets of the area talking to people and distributing leaflets on dengue awareness.
It is to be noted that a special program is being conducted simultaneously in 54 wards of DNCC to control dengue. This program will continue throughout the month of November.
DNCC Chief Executive Officer Md Salim Reza, Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Md Zobaidur Rahman, Ward 51 Councilor Mohammad Sharifur Rahman, Reserved Women Councilor Zakia Sultana, Regional Executive Officer of Region 06 Sazia Afrin and local dignitaries were also present in the dengue awareness program in Uttara.
