"We have repeatedly requested DESA to relocate their cables so that we can finish the construction. But it has so far fallen on deaf ears," said a source of the Planning and Design Department of the DCC, requesting anonymity.

"We have deposited the money for relocation according to DESA's demand. But I don't think, we will be able to finish the foot-over-bridges before the first quarter of next year," alleged the source.

The overhead footbridges Mirpur section one and ten, Paribagh and Kazipara are the areas where the DCC's construction work is at a standstill.

DESA officials however expressed their surprise stating that they did not know anything about any requests from the DCC to relocate the electric cables. "If any department wants to bear the cost of relocation we always comply," said Member (Engineering and Commerce) of DESA Abdul Mannan Mollah.

The DCC is constructing eleven multi winged foot-over-bridges with the provision of iron fences on the pavements which will compel the pedestrians to use these structures. On the other hand, the Dhaka Urban Transport Project (DUTP) is singly raising nine such bridges across the city.

The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) is implementing this project of the DCC at a cost of about Tk 10.5 crore. Chittagong Dry-docks, a government organisation was given the contract.

"The DCC hasn't floated any tenders because it would have taken a lot of time to finish the bidding process and then the construction itself. In involving Chittagong Dry-docks an expert in this field the project will be completed as soon as possible. That's why we didn't opt for any private party," said a source at the DCC.

The DUTP is building nine overhead footbridges at nine important crossings of the city at a cost of Tk 9 crore. The World Bank will bear seventy-five per cent of the total cost. The GOB will bear the rest.