Dhaka's authorities have failed to ensure citizens' needs for parks and other open spaces as per the city's development plan, a new study has revealed.
The report, released by Work for Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust on Saturday, said Dhaka has very little open space for its dwellers, and yet a good portion of these spaces are used by various state-owned and private organisations and private sporting clubs which are not open to everyone.
Dhaka's development plan recommends an average of at least 0.052 square metre for parks and 0.5square metre for open green spaces per person, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Leadership in Energy Environmental for Neighborhood Design recommend 9 and 20 square metres receptively.
WBB Trust along with Healthbridge disclosed the study at a discussion in National Press Club on Saturday.
WBB Trust's Naima Akhter presented the key findings of the study.
HealthBridge Foundation of Canada Regional Director Debra Efroymson, Dhaka North City Corporation Superintendent Engineer Tarique-bin-Yusuf and Bangladesh Institute of Planners Vice-President Salma Awwal Shafi were also present in the event.
Echoing the study's recommendations, the speakers urged the south and north city corporations, the city development authority Rajuk and the Public Works Department to take immediate steps to develop parks, playgrounds and open spaces.
The study was conducted in 12 parks, Naima Akhter said.
A general public survey was conducted among 374 respondents throughout the day on January 28, 2013.
Among these respondents, 60% said they had visited the nearest parks in the past and 39% said that they had not visited any park.
The study also indicated a low percentage of women and the elderly going to parks which demonstrates possible environmental issues.
Another part of the survey on parks was done with 739 individuals who were found visiting the 12 parks.
Around 91% of the park users gave various suggestions to improve the parks, including improving the landscape, installing seats and providing shelters for rain.
The survey team found that most parks were noisy and lacked proper lighting, water taps, waste disposal, sanitation and walkways.
“To develop the city parks, playgrounds and open spaces, the authorities concerned should take immediate steps in monitoring the places that are being used now, and improving sanitation and security,” the study said.
