The Tk30 crore road sweepers, procured by the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Co-operatives (LGRD) in 2020, were intended to modernize urban cleaning. However, after three years in operation, these machines have become more of a burden than a solution for the city corporations. The sweepers, imported from Italy at a cost of Tk1.5 crore each, were meant to improve efficiency and reduce manual labor, but officials and experts have criticized the procurement process, noting the machines’ unsuitability for Bangladesh’s local conditions.
Officials across various city corporations have reported significant issues with the sweepers, including inefficiency in cleaning, high fuel consumption, and frequent malfunctions. In many cases, the machines end up spreading dust into the air instead of properly cleaning the roads. Despite their advanced technology, including Japanese features, the sweepers are proving to be costly and ineffective, with most cities opting for manual cleaning instead.
The initial rollout in September 2020 saw the distribution of 20 road sweepers to 12 city corporations, with Dhaka North, Dhaka South, and Chittagong receiving three each. However, reports from several cities indicate that the vehicles have been largely underutilized. Many city officials argue that the manual cleaning methods are more cost-effective and better suited to the local environment.
A Local Government Division official, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted concerns over the purchase process, suggesting that such projects were often driven by corruption rather than practical needs. The official pointed out that the sweepers’ technology was ill-suited for Bangladesh’s climate, with the high cost being a clear indication of inflated pricing.
Frustration Among City Officials
In Dhaka North and Dhaka South, the vacuum sweepers, which were once seen as a breakthrough, are now collecting dust in workshops. Workers report that the vacuum pipes clog easily when confronted with heavy dirt, leading to frequent breakdowns. Fida Hasan, chief waste management officer of Dhaka North, called the sweepers “unsuitable for our environment,” adding that they only stir up dust rather than clean effectively.
Chittagong City Corporation has also faced issues with the sweepers’ high fuel consumption, with each machine using 7 liters of octane per hour, making it an unsustainable option for regular use. Similarly, officials from Sylhet and Cumilla City Corporations noted mechanical failures and unsuitability for the local infrastructure. In Cumilla, for instance, the roads are not developed enough to support the machinery, especially during the monsoon season.
Barishal City Corporation Left Behind
Despite the LGRD ministry’s promise to supply road sweepers to all city corporations, Barishal City Corporation has not received one. An official from the corporation explained that they were informed in 2020 that they would be allocated a sweeper, but none has arrived yet. Instead, they continue to rely on an outdated machine.
Experts Criticize the Procurement Process
Urban planners and environmental experts have voiced strong criticism of the government’s approach to purchasing the road sweepers. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder, chairman of the Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies, emphasized that the machinery failed to address the core issues of pollution and air quality. He pointed out that such equipment was purchased without proper evaluation, resulting in wasted public funds.
Adil Mohammed Khan, president of the Bangladesh Institute of Planners, echoed these concerns, arguing that the previous government’s reliance on expensive imported machinery, rather than locally developed solutions, led to inefficient and wasteful projects. He stressed the importance of using cost-effective, sustainable solutions tailored to Bangladesh’s specific needs, rather than continuing to invest in unsuitable foreign imports.
As city corporations continue to grapple with the challenges posed by these expensive and ineffective sweepers, it remains to be seen whether the government will revisit its approach to urban cleaning and waste management.
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