Although initiatives were taken to construct secondary transfer station (STS) in different wards to bring speed in the waste management process of the capital Dhaka, the project is not getting any speed due to the barriers created by the local influential, space shortage and various cases. Earlier In some places, construction of STS was started but several contracting companies have stopped their works.  Apart from ministry, the donor organizations are also disturbed with this. Meanwhile, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) has already constructed 57 STSs but these are not environment-friendly such is the allegation of the city dwellers.

According to the DSCC sources, the initiative had been taken to construct 50 secondary transfer stations in different areas of the DSCC under the Urban Public and Environment Health Sector Development Project (UPHESDP) in the last (2016-17) fiscal year. According to the plan, they intended to construct 15 STSs.  But it was not possible to start the work because of the irregularities of the contracting organizations, obstacles due to the cases of the court, land disputes and eviction. Though the project started in some areas, now it is closed for these reasons.

Form DSCC sources it is known that in 1994, the process of collecting waste in the roadside containers was introduced. And now to reduce the sufferings of the city dwellers they have taken the decision to construct an STS in each of the 57 wards instead of the containers to manage the waste.

According to the source, in this densely populated city every day 8,000 tons of waste is produced. Only in DSCC around 3,000 tons of waste is produced and around 2000 tons of it is collected.  But since STSs of the city are not environment-friendly, most of the waste is spread through different places including lanes, drains, and doves in the city.

Jatrabari Kacha bazaar area

In a report of DSCC, it is stated that the construction of STS in the free space of the north side of Jatrabari Kacha bazaar, was stopped by the Corporation Area-5 authority. Later the Mayor visited the project area and ordered to construct a small size STS of that market area.

Newmarket area

Construction of STS on the south-west side of New Market was stopped by the protest of the students of Dhaka University.  Later the project was relocated to Panthakunjo but this time the High Court imposed a ban. Environment activists had an objection against this station.

Old Dhaka Ananda Bazar related Progoti Dairy Farm area

Construction work of the project has been stopped because various faults were found in the construction.

 Jurain Graveyard area

Construction work of this station was to be completed by 2016 but the contractor failed to do it. Though the authority claimed that 80% of the construction of this project has been completed, but in reality, it is found that only 60% of the job this done. 

Hazaribagh

When the project of STS was started in the Matador area of Hazaribagh, a local resident did a writ petition.  Later the City Corporation resolved the matter through a discussion with the person.  After that, STS was inaugurated after finishing the construction work.

Akash Auto Motor Workshop area of Hazaribagh

Environmental clearances were taken in 2013 for STS project of this area. But because of the interruption of the Sikder Medical College authority, this project has not been started yet.

Azimpur Govt. Officer's Quarter area

STS project of this area has been stopped now because of the conflicts between DSCC and Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

The open space area of the side of the physical field of DU

At first, STS was supposed to be constructed in this place. Later on the objection of the University authority, this project was transferred to the open space near the emergency gate of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.  But the construction work has not started yet.

Empty space of Osmani Uddayan

Though an STS was supposed to construct here, later considering the environmental effects city corporation stepped back from their decision. Now they are looking for an alternative place.

Empty space adjoining the Dhanmondi Lake

Though the local MP objected to the STS in this place, later City Corporation discussed with him and now it has resolved. The construction work of this project is going on.

Dhalpur Stuff quarter adjoining area

In spite of having no obstacle of constructing an STS here, City Corporation has not been able to start the construction work.

Empty space near the Nababganj Park

Construction of STS in this place has not completed yet because of the barrier created by the locals. 

While asked about the matter, Additional Chief Waste Management Officer Khandaker Millatul Islam told the Bangla Tribune, "We have taken the initiative to build 50 STSs. Till now; construction of 20 STSs is in progress. Some of these have been inaugurated. There are different complications including some cases regarding this. We are trying to solve them. Hopefully, it will be resolved soon.'

He also said, ‘Earlier people had the wrong idea about STS. They thought it will be impossible to bear the bad smell of the waste from the STS. After the construction of some STSs, their idea is changed now. Now people are not interrupting anymore.”