The vast majority of the capital’s working poor are given no opportunity for affordable, decent housing and many are forced to live in unsafe, unsanitary slums.
Wednesday’s building collapse in Rampura which killed over 12 people, including a family of four, is a tragic reminder of how many people have to live in dangerous and risky housing.
Had the 24-room building not collapsed in the middle of the working day, the death toll would have easily been far greater.
Authorities must investigate the culpability of the politically connected landlord, who used his influence to build and rent this makeshift housing on public land.
More importantly however, the new city mayors and councilors being elected this month need to take a lead in building new housing to accommodate Hakka’s growing population.
Rapid urbanisation means the proportion of people living in sub-standard or unofficial housing in urban areas stands at 60% in Bangladesh, the highest in South Asia. We urgently need more effective policies to reduce the slum-dwelling populations of our cities.
Improving urban planning and transport can make a big difference in the longer term by allowing more relocation of industry, jobs, and housing on cheaper land,
More action is urgently needed to build and improve housing for the millions of working poor in the capital. The residents of slums are the engine behind our economic growth and deserve better.
Planned correctly, as well as improving health and social conditions, the economic spin-offs of building affordable, decent housing will benefit all city dwellers.