Photo: Collected
The Chattogram City Corporation mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain on Sunday announced a zero tolerance policy to control mosquitoes and protect residents from dengue and culex mosquito-borne diseases.
He also directed CCC officials to explore new methods and medicines if needed to combat the mosquito problem effectively.
The mayor made these remarks during a meeting with the officials of the conservancy department at the CCC office at Tigerpass.
“We must eliminate mosquitoes to ensure public welfare. People should not have to visit hospitals, suffer, or lose their lives because of mosquito bites,” the mayor said.
Mayor Shahadat instructed ward supervisors to monitor the performance of cleaning staff and take action against those neglecting their duties.
"Provide me with the names of cleaners who fail to spray mosquito repellents properly. They will face punishment. Supervisors will also be held responsible if any negligence is found,” he warned.
"The city corporation would recruit additional staff if necessary. This work must be done properly, as people's suffering directly reflects on our responsibilities," he said.
Addressing concerns about mosquito control medicines, the mayor stressed the importance of using high-quality products and said "There should be no shortage of medicines. If the current ones are not effective, we will find better alternatives. We are open to exploring options, including biological methods like using fish or insects that eat mosquito larvae."
The mayor revealed that CCC currently sourceing mosquito control medicines from Sena Kalyan Sangstha and is also considering options from the Navy or other suppliers with effective solutions.
CCC’s mosquito control officer Sharful Islam Mahi informed the mayor about ongoing efforts.
"A special team of 91 people has been formed to focus on high-risk areas, while regular mosquito control activities are being carried out in all 41 wards. Larger wards have been assigned 5-6 workers, while smaller ones have 4 workers for routine spraying,"he said.
CCC's chief conservancy officer commander Latiful Haque Kazmi, chief health officer Dr. Md. Imam Hossain Rana, chief education officer Dr. Kissinger Chakma, deputy chief conservancy officer Pranab Kumar Sharma, mayor’s personal assistant Maruful Haque Chowdhury Maruf, among others, were present at the meeting.
Messenger/Anowar/SK/EHM
