The Rajdhani Unnayan Kartipaksha and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have joined hands together to improve building safety standards by strengthening the construction permit approval process and related building inspection mechanisms.
Through a project, the IFC will support Rajuk, development authority of the capital, to introduce third party inspection for increasing safety, streamlining existing laws, automating the construction permits issue process, and introducing digital signatures to reduce paperwork.
The project will actively encourage pro-environment green options to save water and energy at new buildings by incorporating green building measures in the construction regulations of Rajuk.
“Dhaka is densely populated and situated in an earthquake prone zone. Bringing down risk levels in buildings is crucial. To address global concerns around safety in buildings, we are keen to support strict enforcement of building inspection and regulation of construction permits,” said Md Nurul Huda, Chairman of Rajuk.
Dhaka is one of the fastest growing cities in the world, and there is a need for more disciplined growth in the future for sustainable development, he added.
In a landmark move, the government has committed cash contribution to the project aiming to improve the country’s investment climate, , says a press release.
“IFC is committed to providing assistance to raise safety standards of buildings in Bangladesh.
Once factories and buildings are given clearance using a thorough, fast and reliable system, investment confidence in Bangladeshwill get a boost.
This will also help address concerns about unsafe infrastructure in the ready-made garment sector,” said Kyle F Kelhofer, IFC country manager.
IFC and International Labour Organisation are working together on a labour standards programme called Better Work, which focuses on improved buildings for worker security.
