The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE residential areas developed in different parts of the city have turned into veritable slums. The physical facilities like roads, supply of water, gas and electricity have turned inadequate compared to the increase in demand. Around seventy percent of residential buildings have turned problematic as the building code plus the rules on construction of buildings in residential areas have been bypassed.

Owners of buildings did not follow the rules relating to open space between buildings and the use of ground floors that are supposed to be used for parking cars plus installation of generators for power and water tanks and gas pipelines. Thus, over seventy percent of houses in residential areas have turned into virtual slums.

Heights of buildings, the narrower roads in such areas have given those a look unlike residential areas. Water supply problems, water logging in the rainy season and unplanned disposal of garbage from such areas have created problems for inhabitants. Professionals in the field have asserted that the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of Dhaka City has to be completed and the rules and procedures on use of urban spaces have to be followed to make residential areas habitable and safe.

The population of Dhaka city has reportedly reached the range of twelve million. The growth of population may continue in coming years and decades. That being so, authorities in charge of city planning and expansion of infrastructure facilities have to work carefully for expansion of city areas and development of residential, commercial and industrial zones. The availability of water power, gas, oil and coal for day-to-day use has also to be ensured.