The government has initiated new measures to mitigate disaster risks in Dhaka, aiming to enhance the quality of design and construction for increased resilience in private buildings, according to the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.
The ministry has undertaken the project, titled "Enhancing Design and Construction Quality for Resilience of Private Buildings”, which is set to be implemented by Rajuk at an estimated total cost of Tk70.58 crore. The project is expected to be completed by April 2024.
Sources at Rajuk have outlined that, as part of the project, guidelines will be developed to elevate the quality of design and construction in private buildings within the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Planning Area.
Additionally, training will be provided to relevant stakeholders, with the aim of mitigating disaster risks associated with building construction.
According to sources at the Planning Commission, of the estimated expenditure of Tk70.58 crore, Jica's grant contributes Tk62.75 crore, while Rajuk's own financing amounts to Tk7.83 crore.
The Ministry of Housing and Public Works has detailed that the project encompasses activities such as structural and fire safety design review, construction inspection-supervision, and the formulation of awareness-raising guidelines.
Furthermore, the project includes training for 60 officials abroad from Rajuk and related organizations, focusing on design review, construction monitoring, and supervision to prevent structural vulnerabilities and fire risks.
Then the officials receiving training abroad will train 600 more professionals, including stakeholders such as Rajuk, the Fire Service and Civil Defense, Engineers Institution of Bangladesh, Institute of Diploma Engineers Bangladesh, and Institute of Architect Bangladesh, in the country. Additionally, three workshops or seminars will be organized to increase awareness.
Meanwhile, Planning Commission sources have noted that the project has been incorporated into the list of unauthorized new projects in the RADP (Revised ADP) for the 2022-23 fiscal year.
This alignment with the government's five-year plan is highlighted in paragraph 9.9.1 of the 8th five-year plan, where the Ministry of Housing and Public Works aims to foster innovative technologies in urbanization and building construction strategies.
The project also aligns with SDG Goal 11, focusing on building safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and settlements. It has recently received government approval.
In the view of the Planning Commission, the project, seeking the approval of Ecnec, will result in the formulation of guidelines to enhance the quality of design and construction in private buildings in Dhaka city.
This will be coupled with comprehensive training for relevant stakeholders, ultimately playing a vital role in reducing disaster risks in building construction.
When asked about the project, Planning Minister MA Mannan said that it will facilitate easier disaster risk mitigation in urban areas.
He said: “The project's focus on improving the quality of design and construction in Dhaka city will significantly contribute to the reduction of disaster risks associated with building construction.”
