Case Study 2 front Study_2.pdf · city in terms of basic services, infrastructures and governance. In this study, facilities that are critical for maintaining minimum living standard

Case Study 2

Project Number: 46465Regional–Capacity Development Technical Assistance (R-CDTA)

OCTOBER 2016

Identifying the Challenges and Vulnerabilities in Selected Slums and Low Income Communities in Dhaka and Assessing the Need for an Integrated Slum Development Approach

i


Muhammad Ashraf Ali1, Md. Mujibur Rahman2, Mahbuboor Rahman Choudhury3, Maharam Dakua4

1. Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Urban Specialist, K-Hub, ITN-BUET, Bangladesh Center 2. Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Team Leader, South Asia Urban Knowledge Hub (K-Hub), ITN-BUET Bangladesh Center, [email protected], [email protected]. Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Environmental Specialist, K-Hub, ITN-BUET, Bangladesh Center4. Research Associate, ITN-BUET

October 2016

CASE STUDY 2

ii

Integrated Slum Development Approach

iii

Executive Summary


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ContextA significant fraction of urban dwellers in Bangladesh are living in slums without adequate access to basic services and facilities such as safe water and sanitation, drainage, solid waste management, fuel and power, education and health services. The country does not have a comprehensive policy on urbanization and urban poverty. In the absence of a clear slum development policy, the land tenure/ownership in urban slums remained as the central issue hindering development efforts by both government agencies and NGOs. There are several bodies involved in dealing with the issues with very little coordination and planning. As a result, there are major gaps in services and infrastructures. Although there have been significant interventions by both government and non-government organizations to improve access to basic facilities in slum areas, most of these have limited focus; most interventions focus on improving access to sanitation facilities (often without considering the issue of fecal sludge management) and water supply (mostly without considering the issue of drainage of the generated wastewater).

ObjectivesThe present case study has been carried out to assess the present condition in slum areas in Dhaka city in terms of basic services, infrastructures and governance. In this study, facilities that are critical for maintaining minimum living standard in slum areas have been given priority; these include water, sanitation, storm water and sullage (grey water) drainage system, solid waste management, indoor air pollution, power supply, transportation system, health services, housing condition, fire safety, education facility (primary schools), playground for children, greeneries, natural disaster (e.g., flooding) preparedness, crime prevention mechanism and access to information. The case study was carried out in four selected slum/low-income communities (LIC) in Dhaka city to identify the challenges and vulnerabilities being faced by the communities living there. The case study has been carried out with the ultimate goal of formulating an integrated development approach” for slum/low-income areas in Bangladesh and encourage government and non-government organizations to opt for such an “integrated approach”.

iv


MethodologiesDuring selection of study areas, priority was given to those slums where partner NGOs have been working. In order to collect information to fulfill the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was developed which was used by the surveyors during the focus group discussions and surveys in four slums/low-income communities. In each of the four selected study areas, one Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted by the survey team. In the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), community members representing community leaders, women group, youth group, children and physically disadvantaged people discussed about the basic services that they receive, infrastructures, governance system, and other issues. To gain further understanding of the information collected during the FGD in the slums, the survey team visited the households in the slums/low-income communities and the surrounding areas several times. The purpose was to physically verify the problems/issues mentioned/raised by communities during the FGD.

FindingsThe findings of the case study related to specific services have been presented in the report for all four slums and LICs considered. Past interventions in these slums and LICs have also been discussed. The important findings from the case study are as follows:

(1) The case study revealed that the residents of the slums and low income communities (LICs) in urban areas are facing diverse challenges, ranging from inadequate utility services (water, sanitation, power, and gas/fuel); environmental challenges (e.g., SWM, drainage, air pollution); narrow internal roads, fire hazards, and poor housing; lack of proper healthcare, education, and recreational facilities; and prevalence of crime.

(2) Many of these challenges are interrelated. For example, improvement of water supply often leads to deterioration of drainage problem (due to generation of higher drainage/ waste water). Expansion of sanitation facilities without proper FSM does not bring about desired health and environmental benefits; sanitation facilities without special provisions for women (e.g., separate toilet for women with menstrual hygiene facilities), people with disability, old and very young deprive these groups from enjoying the benefits of improved sanitation systems. Poor power supply infrastructure and poor cooking environment often lead to fire hazard, and indoor air pollution particularly affecting the women and the young. Poor quality house and narrow roads increase the vulnerability of slums/LICs against natural disasters and fire hazards. Improved healthcare services, education and recreational facilities could significantly improve the quality of life in slums and LICs.

(3) Majority of interventions by Government and Non-Government organizations in slums and LICs appear to focus on the basic utility services, particularly water supply and sanitation. However, even these interventions appear to suffer from certain limitations. For example, interventions in the area of water supply primarily focus on availability of water, and less on management (e.g., tariff) and drainage; interventions in sanitation seldom considers fecal sludge management (FSM), and often ignores special needs (e.g., of women, people with disability).

(4) Certain important areas often receive very limited attention; these include drainage, SWM, power, gas/fuel, indoor air pollution, and fire hazard. Some of these issues are interrelated; for example, supply of natural gas or improved cooking stove (ICS) could significantly reduce indoor air pollution (which would result in significant health benefits)

v

Executive Summary

and decrease vulnerability to fire hazard. Similarly improved/legal power supply could also significantly reduce risks of fire hazards (from electrical short-circuiting) and accidents. Similarly, improved SWM system could bring about significant improvement in drainage and public health.

(5) Although some praiseworthy interventions have been observed in some slums/LICs in the areas of healthcare, education, and recreational facilities, these are not widespread; interventions in these areas could significantly improve quality of life in slums/LICs.

(6) The interventions made by different organizations have largely been focusing on a few service provisions and are not holistic. It appears that the local government institutions were not adequately involved and the interventions lack coordination and monitoring.

(7) Finally, in absence of a clear slum development policy, and the land tenure/ownership issue remaining unresolved, interventions are disjointed and are not going to be effective in promoting inclusive urban development. An ‘integrated development approach’ is therefore, needed considering all the important aspects for improving the quality of life of people of the slums and low income communities for sustainable, inclusive and safe urban living.

vi


vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Excutive Summary iii

1. Introduction 11.1 Context 1

1.2 Objectives of the Case Study 2

2. Methodology 32.1 Consultation with NGOs for Slum/LIC Selection 3

2.2 Development of Questionnaire/Data Sheets 3

2.3 Focus Group Discussion 3

2.4 Inspection in the Slum/LIC 4

2.5 Data Analysis and Interpretation 4

3. Study Findings 53.1 Overview of Slums/Low-income Communities 5

3.1.1 Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee 5

3.1.2 Kallayanpur Pora Bostee 5

3.1.3 Kamrangirchar (Low-income Community, LIC) 6

3.1.4 Aminbazar (Low-income Community, LIC) 6

3.2 Past Interventions in Slums and LICs 6

3.3 Basic Service Delivery 11

3.3.1 Water Supply 11

3.3.2 Sanitation 14

3.3.3 Power (Electricity) Supply 17

3.3.4 Gas/Fuel Supply 19

3.4 Environmental Issues 21

3.4.1 Solid Waste Management 21

3.4.2 Wastewater, Storm waste and Sullage Drainage System 23

3.4.3 Indoor Air Pollution 25

3.4.4 Noise Pollution 26

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3.5 Infrastructure 26

3.5.1 Housing Condition 26

3.5.2 Internal Road Network 24

3.6 Health Services 29

3.7 Primary Education 30

3.8 Emergency Response 31

3.8.1 Fire Safety 31

3.8.2 Response to Natural Disasters 31

3.9 Recreational Facilities 33

3.9.1 Playground for Children 33

3.9.2 Greeneries 33

3.10 Crime and Crime Prevention Mechanism 33

3.11 Access to Information 34

3.12 Leadership Pattern and Governance 34

4. Learning from the Case Study 35

Acknowledgement 37

Literature consulted 37

1

Introduction


Muhammad Ashraf Ali1, Md. Mujibur Rahman2, Mahbuboor Rahman Choudhury3, Maharam Dakua4

1. Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Urban Specialist, K-Hub, ITN-BUET, Bangladesh Center 2. Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Team Leader, South Asia Urban Knowledge Hub (K-Hub), ITN-BUET Bangladesh Center, [email protected], [email protected]. Associate Professor of Civil Engineering, BUET, and Environmental Specialist, K-Hub, ITN-BUET, Bangladesh Center4. Research Associate, ITN-BUET

Key Words: urban slums and low income communities; access to basic services; integrated multi-stakeholders approach; inclusive urban development

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Context Because of the mismatch between housing supply and demand, informal settlements (commonly referred to as slums) are currently one of the defining characteristics of the urban landscape. These settlements or slums house the large majority of lower-income families. More than 50 million people in Bangladesh live in urban areas, out of which 21 per cent live below the poverty line (UNDP, 2014). In Bangladesh, a significant portion of the city dwellers live in slums and LICs. In the six major cities of the country (Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Barisal), slum population accounts for about 35% of the total population. In Dhaka, the capital city with over 14 million inhabitants, more than 30% of the population lives in slums and LICs. Between 1996 and 2005, the total population living in slums of Dhaka more than doubled; Dhaka city alone is estimated to have between 3,500 to 4,000 slums of different sizes (Rahman, 2013). A significant fraction of the city dwellers in Bangladesh are living in slums without adequate access to basic services and facilities such as safe water and sanitation, drainage, solid waste management, fuel and power, education and health services (World Bank, 2007; Oxfam-ITN, 2015).

The cities in Bangladesh are being increasingly characterized by large slums, where poor housing condition, traffic congestion, water shortages, poor sanitation, inadequate drainage and waste management facilities, inadequate electric supply, unplanned construction, increasing air pollution and poor urban governance are some of the many challenges. The poor are particularly affected as they do not have the resources to find alternatives for meeting their basic needs.

With one of the highest urbanization rates in Asia, the situation continues to worsen for an increasing number of urban poor in Bangladesh. Despite this, urban poverty goes largely “unrecognized” in Bangladesh as the misperception that addressing it might result in increased migration to the cities still persists. The identity of Bangladeshi slum dwellers as rightful citizens is therefore continuously challenged. The country does not have a comprehensive policy on urbanization and urban poverty. In the absence of a clear slum development policy, the land tenure/ownership in urban slums remained as the central issue hindering development efforts by both government agencies and NGOs. There

2


are several bodies involved in dealing with the issues with very little coordination and planning. As a result, there are major gaps in services and infrastructures. Although, at times, there have been some interventions by both government and non-government organizations to improve access to basic facilities in slum areas, most of these have limited focus; most interventions focus on improving access to sanitation facilities (often without considering the issue of fecal sludge management) and water supply (mostly without considering the issue of drainage of the generated wastewater).

Therefore, an integrated multi-stakeholder approach to improve the facilities such as quality education, access to adequate transport, housing, water and sanitation, waste management, energy, health, etc. in the slum areas should be planned and implemented. This is no doubt a challenging task. In order to address the challenge, the logical first step is to carry out a gap analysis covering all aspects including basic service delivery, infrastructural and institutional issues, so that all stakeholders particularly the policy makers develop a better understanding of the situation in slum areas.

A comprehensive analysis of the current status of basic services and infrastructures in the slum areas is critical, that will help gaining insight of the extent of the problem in these areas. Such an analysis would also provide a baseline to identifying the gaps in basic services, infrastructures as well as the institutional frameworks.

1.2 Objectives of the Case Study The present case study has been carried out to assess the present condition in slum areas in Dhaka city in terms of basic services, infrastructures and governance. In this study, facilities that are critical for maintaining minimum living standard in slum areas have been given priority; these include water, sanitation, storm water and sullage (grey water) drainage system, solid waste management, indoor air pollution, power supply, transportation system, health services, housing condition, fire safety, education facility (primary schools), playground for children, greeneries, natural disaster (e.g., flooding) preparedness, crime prevention mechanism and access to information, etc.. In addition, leadership pattern in slum areas, coordination among different entities working in the slums, and authorities and jurisdiction of central and local authorities have also been considered.

The case study was carried out in four selected slum/low-income communities (LIC) in Dhaka city to identify the challenges and vulnerabilities being faced by the communities living there. The case study has been carried out with the ultimate goal of formulating an “integrated development approach” for slum/low-income areas in Bangladesh and encourage government and non-government organizations to opt for such an “integrated approach”. For field studies, assistance was sought from the NGOs working in these communities. The case study involved literature review, survey and FGDs in the selected slums/LICs, and key informant interviews.

The specific objectives of the case study were as follows:(1) Identification of major challenges being faced by people living in slums and low-income

communities, including degraded environment and housing; access to basic services like water, sanitation, energy and transportation; drainage and SWM, natural disasters, fire hazard, etc.

(2) Assessment of inter-connection among these challenges (e.g., water supply giving rise to drainage problem, or improper solid waste management creating water logging).

(3) Assessment of the approaches and success/failure of past and ongoing interventions in addressing these diverse and often interrelated challenges.

This “case study” report presents the findings from the four surveyed slums/LICs on identified challenges and vulnerabilities faced by the dwellers in these areas. The following chapters describe the methodologies used to carry out the case study in selected areas and the findings from the case study.

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Methodology

2 METHODOLOGYThe approach and methodology followed and major activities carried out under the study are summarized below:

2.1 Consultation with NGOs for Slum/LIC Selection The case study was carried out in 4 selected slum/low-income communities (LICs) in Dhaka city. During selection of study areas, priority was given to those slums where partner NGOs have been working. The study team had a number of meetings with Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK) officials, an NGO working in slums and low-income communities in Dhaka for decades. In the meetings, the DSK officials were consulted about the objective of the case study. After several meetings, two slums (Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee1 and Kallayanpur Pora Bostee) and two low-income communities (Aminbazar and Kamrangirchar) were selected for the study.

2.2 Development of Questionnaire/Data SheetsIn order to collect information to fulfill the objectives of the study, a questionnaire was developed which was used by the surveyors during the focus group discussions (FGDs) and surveys in four slums/low-income communities. The data sheet for the questionnaire comprised of 10 sections; the major data groups are identified in Table 2.1.

2.3 Focus Group DiscussionIn each of the four selected study areas, one Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted by the survey team. In the Focus Group Discussion (FGD), community members representing community leaders, women group, youth group, children and physically disadvantaged people discussed about the basic services, infrastructure, governance system, and other issues. During the FGD, state of the present living condition of the slum residents and the services that they can afford to get considering their current economic status were discussed. During the FGD, information was collected on each of the “data groups” listed in Table 2.1.

1 “Bostee” is a Bengali word, which means “slum”.

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Table 2.1: List of Data Groups and Data Types used in the studyData Group Data Type

1. Basic Service Delivery

• Water Supply• Sanitation• Power• Gas/fuel Supply

2. Environmental Issues

• Solid Waste Management• Wastewater, Storm Water and Sullage Drainage System• Indoor Air Pollution• Noise Pollution

3. Infrastructures • Housing• Internal Road Network

4. Health Services • Primary Health Services and Health Education

5. Education • Primary School for Children

6. Emergency Response/Safety• Fire Safety• Natural Disaster (e.g., Cyclone, Flood, Storm Surge etc.)

Preparedness

7. Recreational Facilities • Playground for Children• Greeneries

8. Crime and Crime Prevention Mechanism • Prevalence of Crime and Crime Prevention Mechanism

9. Access to Information • Access to Information

10. Leadership Pattern in Slum/LICs • Leadership Pattern in Slum/LICs

2.4 Inspection in the Slum/LICTo gain further understanding of the information collected during the FGDs in the slums, the survey team visited the households in the slums/low-income communities and the surrounding areas several times. The purpose was to physically verify the problems/issues mentioned/raised by communities during the FGD. Relevant information required to gain better understanding of the problems in the slums were collected during the survey.

2.5 Data Analysis and InterpretationThe primary data/information collected under the study were analyzed with a view to identify the needs, challenges and vulnerabilities in selected slums and low-income communities in Dhaka, to identify the gaps/ limitations of past/ongoing interventions, and to assess the need for an integrated slum development approach considering basic services, infrastructure, and other important aspects.

5

Study Findings

3 STUDY FINDINGS

3.1 Overview of Slums/Low-income CommunitiesAs mentioned earlier, two slums in Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee and Kallayanpur Pora Bostee (Slum), and two LICs in Aminbazar and Kamrangirchar areas were selected for the case study. This was done in consultation with an NGO who has been working in these slums and LICs for many years.

The following sections summarize the information collected from all four study areas. Information has also been collected on past and present interventions by government and non-government organizations in the study areas and is presented in a tabular form in Section 3.2.

3.1.1 Mohakhali Shat Tola BosteeAccording to local people, the slum dwellers have been living in the Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee for over 40 years; though according to a NGO report, it was built in 1989.The slum is built on a piece of land owned by the Department of Public Health Engineering (Mohakhali Branch) and hence owned by the government. There are 8,010 households in the slum area. Most of the houses are tin-shed; there are few semi-concrete houses. The total population of the slum is 36,632, according to information provided by the NGO. The total area of Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee is approximately 100 acres. Since the population in the slum is increasing day by day, the home-owners are converting their homes from one story to two stories to accommodate more people.

3.1.2 Kallayanpur Pora BosteeThe slum was built in 1988 in a low lying land. Ministry of Housing and Public Works is the owner of the land. There are about 3,000 households in the slum. The total population of the slum is 15,000. The total area is about 11 acres. The number of households in the slum area is increasing. For example, in 2010 the number of households was 2,000, which increased to 3,000 in 2015.

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3.1.3 Kamrangirchar (Low-income Community, LIC)The surveyed low-income community in Kamrangirchar was built after the liberation war of 1971. The owner of this area is an individual who does not live here. The number of houses is estimated to be 10,000-15,000 where 31,844 families live. The total population is about 1,43,300. The number of households is gradually increasing in this area.

3.1.4 Aminbazar (Low-income Community, LIC)The low income community in Aminbazar area was built in 2002. This area is owned by few individuals. The number of households is about 1,700. Total population is around 7,000. The number of the households is increasing in this area too.

3.2 Past Interventions in Slums and LICsInterventions have been made in these slums and LICs both by government and NGOs in an effort to improve living conditions of people. These interventions however, were not integrated and were having focuses on one or two service provisions. Such interventions improved particular area of focus but could not ensure safe and standard living of people in these slums and low income communities. Details of interventions on different aspects by different organizations are presented in Table 3.1.

7

Study Findings

Tabl

e 3.

1: In

terv

enti

ons

by d

iffer

ent

orga

niza

tion

s in

slu

ms

and

LICs

Serv

iceFo

cus

Area

Inte

rven

tion

s m

ostl

y by

NG

Os

Moh

akha

li Sh

at T

ola

Bost

eeKa

llaya

npur

Por

a Bo

stee

Kam

rang

irch

ar (L

IC)

Amin

baza

r (L

IC)

Basic

Servi

ce

Deliv

ery

Wat

er S

uppl

yD

SK a

nd O

XFAM

are

pr

ovid

ing

supp

ort t

o ge

t w

ater

con

nect

ions

from

D

WAS

A an

d in

stal

ling

wat

er tr

eatm

ent f

acili

ties,

re

spec

tivel

y.

In 2

005,

DSK

faci

litat

ed

DW

ASA

conn

ectio

n. In

20

10 th

ey h

ande

d ov

er

this

res

pons

ibili

ty C

BO.

Nag

ar B

ostib

ashi

Unn

ayan

So

ngst

ha (N

BUS)

wor

ks

unde

r th

is C

BO.

Dus

htha

Sha

sthy

a Ke

ndra

(DSK

) ins

talle

d 38

su

bmer

sibl

e pu

mps

.

Dus

htha

Sha

sthy

a Ke

ndra

(DSK

) ins

talle

d su

bmer

sibl

e pu

mps

in

2012

.

Sani

tatio

nD

SK h

as s

et u

p 14

toile

ts

with

min

imum

two

cham

bers

; OXF

AM h

as s

et

up 2

toile

ts.

DSK

has

set

up

few

toile

ts.

DSK

has

set

up

few

to

ilets

.D

SK h

as s

et u

p fe

w

toile

ts.

Pow

erTh

ere

is n

o N

GO

invo

lvem

ent i

n in

stal

latio

n an

d m

anag

emen

t of e

lect

ric

conn

ectio

ns. S

ince

the

elec

tric

ity

netw

ork

does

not

cov

er a

ll th

e ho

uses

, it h

as b

een

repo

rted

that

loca

l lea

ders

som

etim

es d

istr

ibut

e el

ectr

ic

lines

ille

gally

to r

esid

ents

.

Gas

/Fue

l Su

pply

No

NG

O w

as fo

und

invo

lved

in G

as/F

uel

Supp

ly. R

esid

ents

con

tact

w

ith a

gent

s w

ho w

ork

as m

iddl

eman

to g

et g

as

conn

ectio

n.

No

NG

O w

as fo

und

invo

lved

in G

as/F

uel

Supp

ly. T

here

is n

o ga

s su

pply

in th

e sl

um a

rea.

No

NG

O w

as fo

und

invo

lved

in G

as/F

uel

Supp

ly. R

esid

ents

co

ntac

t with

age

nts

who

w

ork

as m

iddl

eman

to

get g

as c

onne

ctio

n.

No

NG

O w

as

foun

d in

volv

ed

in G

as/F

uel

Supp

ly. G

as

supp

ly fr

om

Tita

s, th

e le

gal

auth

ority

for

gas

supp

ly.

8


Serv

iceFo

cus

Area

Inte

rven

tion

s m

ostl

y by

NG

Os

Moh

akha

li Sh

at T

ola

Bost

eeKa

llaya

npur

Por

a Bo

stee

Kam

rang

irch

ar (L

IC)

Amin

baza

r (L

IC)

Envir

onme

ntal

Issue

sSo

lid W

aste

M

anag

emen

tRe

side

nts

put s

olid

was

te

into

a b

aske

t or p

olyt

hene

ba

g in

the

kitc

hen.

Som

e ho

use

owne

rs p

rovi

de

larg

e pl

astic

con

tain

ers

for a

ll of

his

tena

nts.

Ci

ty C

orpo

ratio

n’s

was

te

colle

ctin

g va

n co

mes

eve

ry

day,

col

lect

s w

aste

and

du

mps

nea

r a b

us s

tand

. Th

ere

is n

o de

sign

ated

pla

ce/

dust

bin

for w

aste

dum

ping

in

side

the

slum

are

a.

Initi

ally

res

iden

ts s

tore

w

aste

in a

bas

ket i

n th

eir

kitc

hen.

Eve

ry m

orni

ng

was

te c

olle

ctio

n va

n co

mes

do

or to

doo

r to

col

lect

sol

id

was

te. T

he w

aste

col

lect

ion

van

dum

ps w

aste

nea

r a

bus

stan

d. T

here

is n

o de

sign

ated

pla

ce/d

ustb

in

for

was

te d

umpi

ng in

side

th

e sl

um a

rea.

Appr

oxim

atel

y ha

lf of

the

tota

l hou

seho

lds

initi

ally

st

ore

was

te in

a b

aske

t in

thei

r ki

tche

n. T

his

was

te

is c

olle

cted

by

was

te

colle

ctio

n va

ns. T

he r

est

of th

e re

side

nts

dire

ctly

du

mp

thei

r ho

useh

old

was

tes

into

the

near

by

river

. The

re is

no

desi

gnat

ed p

lace

/dus

tbin

fo

r w

aste

dum

ping

insi

de

the

slum

are

a.

Few

hou

seho

lds

initi

ally

st

ore

was

te in

a b

aske

t in

thei

r kitc

hen.

Thi

s w

aste

is

col

lect

ed b

y w

aste

co

llect

ion

vans

. The

rest

of

the

resi

dent

s di

rect

ly

dum

p th

eir h

ouse

hold

w

aste

s in

the

low

-lyin

g ar

eas

near

the

river

.

Ther

e is

no d

esig

nate

d pl

ace/

dust

bin

for w

aste

dum

ping

in

side

the

slum

are

a.

Was

tew

ater

, St

orm

Wat

er

and

Sulla

ge

Dra

inag

e Sy

stem

Loca

l com

mun

ity h

ires

sw

eepe

rs to

cle

an.

Som

etim

es c

ity c

orpo

ratio

n cl

ean

the

drai

ns.

Loca

l com

mun

ity h

ires

sw

eepe

rs to

cle

an th

e dr

ains

.

Loca

l com

mun

ity h

ires

sw

eepe

rs to

cle

an th

e dr

ains

.

Loca

l com

mun

ity h

ires

sw

eepe

rs to

cle

an th

e dr

ains

.

Indo

or A

ir

Pollu

tion

No

orga

niza

tion

was

foun

d in

volv

ed in

the

man

agem

ent o

f ind

oor

air

pollu

tion.

Noi

se P

ollu

tion

No

orga

niza

tion

was

foun

d in

volv

ed in

this

asp

rof.

Infra

struc

ture

sH

ousi

ngM

anag

ed b

y th

e ow

ners

.

Inte

rnal

Roa

d N

etw

ork

Gov

ernm

ent s

eldo

m

repa

irs

the

road

s;

mos

t of t

he ti

mes

loca

l co

mm

uniti

es r

epai

r ro

ads

with

lim

ited

reso

urce

s.

Loca

l com

mun

ities

and

ho

use

owne

rs r

epai

r th

e ro

ads.

Loca

l com

mun

ities

and

ho

use

owne

rs r

epai

r th

e ro

ads.

Loca

l com

mun

ities

and

ho

use

owne

rs r

epai

r th

e ro

ads.Ta

ble

3.1:

Con

td...

9

Study Findings

Serv

iceFo

cus

Area

Inte

rven

tion

s m

ostl

y by

NG

Os

Moh

akha

li Sh

at T

ola

Bost

eeKa

llaya

npur

Por

a Bo

stee

Kam

rang

irch

ar (L

IC)

Amin

baza

r (L

IC)

Healt

h Se

rvice

sPr

imar

y H

ealth

Se

rvic

es

and

Hea

lth

Educ

atio

n

Ther

e ar

e fe

w c

linic

s/ho

spita

ls n

ear

the

slum

ar

ea. D

SK h

as a

ppoi

nted

a

doct

or w

ho c

omes

thre

e da

ys a

wee

k. A

noth

er

orga

niza

tion,

“Sho

khi”,

w

orks

for

wom

en’s

heal

th,

med

ical

car

e, m

edic

al

info

rmat

ion

and

mat

erni

ty

heal

th. I

t als

o w

orks

for

wom

en r

ight

s an

d pr

ovid

es

recr

eatio

nal s

uppo

rt to

ch

ildre

n. “S

hokh

i” ha

s al

so

appo

inte

d a

doct

or fo

r he

alth

car

e.

The

slum

dw

elle

rs u

sual

ly

go to

Sha

heed

Suh

raw

ardy

M

edic

al C

olle

ge a

nd

Hos

pita

l (G

ovt.)

for

trea

tmen

t of s

erio

us il

lnes

s,

and

to B

obita

Hos

pita

l (P

riva

te) a

nd C

omm

unity

Cl

inic

(NG

O) f

or n

orm

al

heal

th r

elat

ed is

sues

. N

GO

s lik

e BR

AC a

nd D

SK

have

als

o pr

ovid

ed h

ealth

su

ppor

t to

dwel

lers

of t

his

slum

in th

e pa

st.

Mitf

ord

Hos

pita

l and

D

haka

Med

ical

Col

lege

ar

e th

e pr

ivat

e an

d G

over

nmen

t hos

pita

ls,

resp

ectiv

ely

whi

ch a

re

near

Kam

rang

irch

ar

low

-inco

me

com

mun

ity.

Apar

t fro

m th

at,

DSK

pro

vide

s he

alth

ed

ucat

ion

to th

e co

mm

unity

eve

ry m

onth

.

For

heal

th c

are,

pe

ople

usu

ally

go

to

the

priv

ate

hosp

ital

near

the

Fulb

aria

bus

st

and.

In th

e pa

st

year

s, g

over

nmen

t or

gani

zatio

ns a

nd B

RAC

(NG

O) h

ave

prov

ided

th

em w

ith h

ealth

ed

ucat

ion.

Educ

ation

Prim

ary

Scho

ols

for

Child

ren

Ther

e ar

e 11

pri

mar

y sc

hool

s ru

n by

BRA

C, 2

m

adra

sas,

1 g

over

nmen

t pr

imar

y sc

hool

, and

1

sem

i-gov

ernm

ent s

choo

l an

d co

llege

in a

nd a

roun

d M

ohak

hali

Shat

Tol

a Bo

stee

.

Ther

e ar

e 6

prim

ary

scho

ols

run

by B

RAC,

2

priv

ate

scho

ols,

a p

riva

te

scho

ol r

un b

y no

n-go

vern

men

t vol

unta

ry

deve

lopm

ent o

rgan

izat

ion,

an

d 1

mad

rasa

.

Ther

e ar

e 5

kind

erga

rten

s, 5

NG

O-

run

scho

ols,

6 m

adra

sas,

an

d 1

gove

rnm

ent

prim

ary

scho

ol.

Ther

e is

a p

rim

ary

scho

ols

run

by B

RAC

and

a go

vern

men

t pri

-m

ary

scho

ol.

Tabl

e 3.

1: C

ontd

...

10


Serv

iceFo

cus

Area

Inte

rven

tion

s m

ostl

y by

NG

Os

Moh

akha

li Sh

at T

ola

Bost

eeKa

llaya

npur

Por

a Bo

stee

Kam

rang

irch

ar (L

IC)

Amin

baza

r (L

IC)

Emer

genc

y Re

spon

se/

Safe

ty

Fire

Saf

ety

No

orga

niza

tion

was

foun

d in

volv

ed r

egar

ding

fire

haz

ards

. Dur

ing

fire

haza

rds,

loca

l com

mun

ities

use

san

d,

wat

er fr

om d

iffer

ent s

ourc

es e

.g.,

pond

, lak

e, r

iver

or

tube

wel

ls, h

eavy

wet

clo

thes

etc

. The

y ca

rry

wat

er in

bu

cket

s an

d th

row

it in

to th

e fir

e w

hich

is n

ot v

ery

effec

tive.

Nat

ural

D

isas

ter

(e.g

., Cy

clon

e,

Floo

d, S

torm

Su

rge

etc.

) Pr

epar

edne

ss

Com

mun

ities

usu

ally

get

in

form

atio

n ab

out t

he

cycl

one/

stor

m e

vent

from

te

levi

sion

. Aft

er r

ecen

t st

orm

eve

nts,

res

iden

ts o

f th

e sl

um r

ecei

ved

supp

ort

from

DSK

(NG

O),

Pros

hika

(N

GO

), Ci

ty C

orpo

ratio

n M

ayor

and

Com

mis

sion

ers.

The

slum

dw

elle

rs d

id n

ot

rece

ive

any

supp

ort f

rom

an

y or

gani

zatio

n af

ter

any

natu

ral d

isas

ter.

The

slum

dw

elle

rs d

id

not r

ecei

ve a

ny s

uppo

rt

from

any

org

aniz

atio

n af

ter

any

natu

ral

disa

ster

.

In A

min

Baz

ar,

Wor

ld V

isio

n pr

ovid

ed s

ome

supp

ort a

fter

th

e m

ajor

floo

d in

199

8.

Recr

eatio

nal

Faci

litie

sPl

aygr

ound

for

Child

ren

No

orga

niza

tion

was

foun

d in

volv

ed in

dev

elop

ing

recr

eatio

nal f

acili

ties

in th

ese

slum

/LIC

s.

Gre

ener

ies

No

orga

niza

tion

was

foun

d in

volv

ed in

the

deve

lopm

ent g

reen

erie

s.

Crim

e an

d Cr

ime

Prev

entio

n M

echa

nism

Prev

alen

ce

of C

rim

e an

d Cr

ime

Prev

entio

n M

echa

nism

Loca

l pol

ice

and

war

d co

mm

issi

oner

s so

met

imes

com

e to

sol

ve c

rim

e re

late

d pr

oble

m, a

lthou

gh th

e re

side

nts

are

not h

appy

with

this

mec

hani

sm.

Acce

ss to

In

form

atio

nAc

cess

to

Info

rmat

ion

Tele

visi

on is

the

maj

or s

ourc

e of

info

rmat

ion

in a

ll of

the

four

slu

ms

surv

eyed

. The

res

iden

ts g

et m

ost o

f the

in

form

atio

n th

roug

h di

ffer

ent T

V ch

anne

ls. T

hey

also

get

loca

l inf

orm

atio

n th

roug

h m

ike

anno

unce

men

ts.

Tabl

e 3.

1: C

ontd

...

11

Study Findings

3.3 Basic Service DeliveryWater supply, sanitation, power supply and gas/fuel supply for cooking were the services considered in the study as the “basic services”. The findings from the FGDs and physical inspection in the study areas are given below.

3.3.1 Water SupplyWater supply is one of the most important services for any community. In this study, questions were asked to the residents of four surveyed slums/low-income communities to identify the existing gaps in water supply systems. The questions were related to source of water, process of getting water supply, availability of water, water tariff, and maintenance of the system.

The major challenges identified from the FGDs and during the physical inspection are as follows:

n Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) has started supplying water in two slums (Mohakhali Shat Tola and Kallayanpur) through few water points that have been installed against the name of some house owners in the slums. But city water supply system (managed by DWASA) does not cover the low-income communities of Aminbazar and Kamrangirchar (See Fig. 3.1 and 3.2).

n The owners of the water connections at Mohakhali Shat Tola slum and a Community Based Organization (CBO) at Kallayanpur slum pay water bills to DWASA based on water meter readings; while the individual household water users pay their bills to the owners/CBO. The water bill collected from each family is fixed by the owner/CBO, which is based on the actual water use.

n The collection of water bills from DWASA staff is not regular. As a result, the owners are often asked to pay arrear bills of several months, which is sometimes difficult for them.

n It takes a lot of time to get new water connections and the process is complicated. Therefore, new users often have to adjust with the existing system that also puts pressure on the system.

n There is no city water supply coverage in two low-income communities although the population in these communities is increasing. Therefore, the local communities are being forced to install new systems (tubewell) by themselves, which is a difficult task for them.

n In the Kamrangirchar low-income community, water is pumped from groundwater (through tubewell) and stored in reservoirs for collection by users. Water is supplied for a short period of time, only for two hours a day, which is a big challenge for the dwellers since they have to collect and store water for the whole day within this short period.

n Water quality monitoring was found absent in all four study areas.

The details survey findings from the four study areas on water supply systems are provided below in Table 3.2.

12


Table 3.2: Existing water supply scenario in four surveyed areas

Issue Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee

Kallayanpur Pora Bostee

Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Source of Water

362 legal water supply connections provide water to slum residents.

94 legal piped water connections of DWASA provide water. New 54 connections are about to be installed soon.

No connections from city water supply network. Groundwater extracted using submersible pumps by residents and river water is used for household purposes.

No connections from city water supply network. Groundwater extracted using hand tube well is the main source of water.

Service Provider

Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA).

Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (DWASA) supplying water since 2005.

DSK, an NGO, installed 38 submersible pumps in addition to privately owned pumps.

DSK, an NGO, installed submersible pumps in 2012 in addition to few privately owned pumps.

Water Availability

Water is available 24 hours a day at the water points. The availability of water is satisfactory. The residents can also buy drinking water from a machine at the rate of 5 BDT/20 L water.

Water is available 24 hours a day. There are 94 legal connections. The residents collect water from the water points. The availability of water is satisfactory.

Water is available for only 2 hrs a day in the slum from 8 am to 10 am. Water is stored in the tanks, and then residents collect water in bucket/container/pot. Water supply is not adequate in this area. On an average, 13 households use one water point.

Water is available 24 hours a day. Around 18 households use one water point. They get sufficient amount of water.

Water Tariff Residents pay monthly water bills to the owner of the connection which is integrated with the house rent. The owner of the connection pays the bill which is generated based on the meter reading.

Residents provide their bills to CBO. CBO pay the bill to DWASA. Many residents consume water under a single connection, so they share their bills for that connection’s meter reading.

Water bill is integrated with the monthly house rent.

Water bill is integrated with the monthly house rent.

13

Study Findings



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Maintenance Mechanism

General maintenance is done by owner of the connection, but technical problem is solved by DWASA and DSK after receiving complaints.

Maintenance is done by DWASA after receiving complaints.

Maintenance is done by house owner and the residents jointly.

Caretaker trained by Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK) is responsible for maintenance.

Role of Local Community

Local community can communicate with DWASA regarding the water supply system through local leaders.

Community based organization (CBO) plays an important role in maintenance of water supply system and communicating with DWASA.

House owners collect money from tenants and repair the system.

Local Community is responsible for maintaining the water supply system.

NGO Support

DSK and OXFAM are providing support to get connections from DWASA and installing water treatment facilities, respectively.

In 2005, DSK brought DWASA connection. In 2010 they handed over this responsibility to CBO. Nagar Bostibashi Unnayan Songstha (NBUS) works under this CBO.

Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK) installed 38 submersible pumps.

Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK) installed submersible pumps in 2012.

Figure 3.1: Water points in Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee (left) and Kallayanpur Pora Bostee (right).

Table 3.2: Contd...

14


3.3.2 SanitationThe sanitation systems in all four surveyed areas were found inadequate and were mentioned as one of the most overlooked facilities in these areas. To understand the sanitation condition in these areas, the types of latrines that are currently being used were studied and residents were asked about functionalities of their existing sanitation facilities.

The major challenges identified from the FGDs and during the physical inspection are on follows:

n Though DSK has installed latrines in all of the four slums/LICs (see details in Table 3.3), there is still not enough latrines considering the total population which puts lots of pressure on the latrines. As a result, the pits and septic tanks get filled up with fecal waste very quickly. Also because of inadequate number of latrines, there are queues of users every day in front of the latrines (See Fig. 3.3 and 3.4).

n There is no fecal sludge2 management (FSM) system in any of the four study areas, which makes the environment in these communities very unhygienic. Though mechanical desludging system (vacutug) is used by some households for emptying pit/septic tank, the emptied fecal waste is eventually disposed of into water bodies and storm water drains.

n There are no separate toilet facilities for male and female in Aminbazar and Kamrangirchar low-income communities.

n Many latrines do not have facilities for people with disabilities.

n Only a few latrines have running water supply in the latrine cubicles. Therefore, sanitation system is not user friendly, which causes unhygienic environment.

2 Fecal matter accumulated in pits and septic tanks

Figure 3.2: Underground water reservoir at water point of Kallayanpur Pora Bostee (left) and water point at Aminbazar which is connected to overhead tank (right).

15

Study Findings

Figure 3.3: Old latrines (left) and newly installed latrines (right) at Mohakhali Shat TolaBostee

Figure 3.4: Latrines at Kamrangirchar low-income community (left) and newly installed latrine at Kallayanpur Pora Bostee (right).

16


The details survey findings from the four studied areas on sanitation facilities are provided below in Table 3.3.

Table 3.3: Existing scenario of sanitation facilities in four surveyed areas



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Types of Latrine

Most of the latrines (approximately 80%) are built above the open drains. According to DSK, there are 45 latrines. Most households use shared latrines. On an average, 20-25 households use one toilet. DSK installed latrines cover about 20% of the slum.

Shared latrines with septic tanks and soak pits are used. On an average 10 families use one latrine. DSK & CBO jointly built this system. Everybody uses latrine; there is no open defecation.

Semi concrete latrine (10% with septic tank and 90% with direct discharge into drainage system). Most toilets are used as shared toilets; 10-20 households use one toilet. Everybody uses latrine; there is no open defecation.

Latrine with septic tank. One chamber is typically used by 10 households. Everybody uses latrine; there is no open defecation.

Fecal Sludge Management

Since most of the latrines are constructed above the drain, the fecal waste generally ends up in the drains. From some of the latrines installed by NGO (covering approximately 20% of slum), fecal sludge is usually collected by vacutug system. The collected fecal sludge is disposed into storm water drains.

Fecal sludge is collected in septic tanks. Once the septic tank is full, desludging is done either manually or by vacutug, which is eventually disposed into storm water drains.

The pit latrines and septic tanks are connected to drains and the drainage system is connected to river. So the fecal waste eventually ends up in the Buriganga River.

After the installation of the new system (septic tank), desludging has not been required yet. Mechanical or manual desludging, followed by disposal into open drains/water bodies is likely to happen when the pits would become full.

Availability of water for sanitation

Water is not available inside the latrines, so users have to carry water in containers/pots. In the DSK installed latrines, water is pumped from a reservoir into a drum using tube well. A pipe line is connected from the drum to the latrine. Water reaches the latrine by gravity.

Water is available but no running water supply in the latrines. Users carry water in containers/pots to the latrine.

Water is available in few latrines but most people have to carry water in containers/pots to the latrine.

Water is available inside the latrines and this water comes from the overhead tank where water is stored.

17

Study Findings



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Separate toilet facility for women

In the DSK installed systems (covering about 20% of the slum), there is separate latrine for women.

In the DSK installed systems, there is separate latrine for women.

There is no separate facility for women.

There is no separate facility for women.

Facility for people with disability

The DSK installed latrines are disable friendly.

The DSK installed latrines are disable friendly.

There is no separate facility for disabled persons.

There is no separate facility for disabled persons.

NGO involvement

DSK has set up 14 toilets with minimum two chamber, OXFAM has set up 2 toilets.

DSK has set up few toilets.

DSK has set up a few toilets.

DSK has set up a few toilets.

Maintenance mechanism

There is one caretaker and five assistants for every latrine who maintains the system.

CBO maintains the latrines.

A manager, appointed by the house owner is generally responsible for the maintenance of the latrines.

House owner is mainly responsible for maintaining the latrines.

3.3.3 Power (Electricity) SupplyAll of the four surveyed slums/low-income communities have electricity facility in the households. It took many years to get government approval for legal electricity connection for the residents. According to the dwellers in the Mohakhali slum, they have electricity in their slum since 2000. In Kallayanpur, electricity became available in 2005, whereas in Kamrangirchar and in Aminbazar it is available since 2002 and 1987, respectively. Though these slums started getting this facility few years back, many of the connections are still illegal and hence, government is not getting the tariff properly.

Some of the identified challenges regarding power supply are:

n Since the electricity network does not cover all the houses, it has been reported that local leaders sometimes distribute electric lines illegally to residents. Therefore, the authority is not getting the tariff from the illegal connections. These illegal connections are often prone to accidents and fire hazards (from short-circuiting) (see Fig. 3.5).

n Since the users under each authorized connection are paying a fixed amount to the owner of the connection, the owners often get extra benefit from the system (i.e., charging users more than what they should pay).

Table 3.3: Contd...

18


The details survey findings from the four studied areas on power supply are provided below in Table 3.4.

Table 3.4: Existing scenario of electricity (power) connections in four surveyed areas



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Year of getting legal connection

2000 2005 2002 1987

Process of getting electricity connection; type of connection

For legal connections, residents apply to DESA. Few households have legal connections. Other houses get connection from those legal connections. There are still few illegal connections.

For legal connections, residents apply to DESCO. Few households have legal connections. Other houses get connection from those legal connections.

For legal connections, residents apply to DPDC. Few households have legal connections. Other houses get connection from those legal connections.

For legal connections, residents apply to Polli Bidyut (REB). Few households have legal connections. Other houses get connection from those legal connections.

Payment system (how much they pay, who do they pay to)

Those who have legal connections, pay bills to concerned power supply authority. Houses that get connection from an authorized meter pay a fixed amount to the owner of that connection. Normally their electricity bill is included within the house rent. Normally this rate is charged as 200 BDT per point.

Those who have legal connections, pay their bills to concerned power supply authority. Houses that get connection from an authorized meter pay a fixed amount to the owner of that connection. Typical charge is as follows:2 fan + light = 500 BDT per month. For using refrigerator, one has to pay extra 400 BDT per month.

Those who have legal connections, pay their bills to concerned power supply authority. Houses that get connection from an authorized meter pay a fixed amount to the owner of that connection. Normally their electricity bill is included within the house rent.

Those who have legal connections, pay their bills to concerned power supply authority. Houses that get connection from an authorized meter pay a fixed amount to the owner of that connection. Normally their electricity bill is included within the house rent.

Maintenance system

If any problem occurs, the owner informs the line-man of DESA. The owner has to pay the electrician for the service.

The owner pays electrician for repair.



NGO involvement

There is no NGO involvement in installation and management of electric connections.

Local community engagement

Since the electricity network does not cover all the houses, it has been reported that local leaders sometimes distribute electric lines illegally to residents.

19

Study Findings

3.3.4 Gas/Fuel SupplyAmong the four surveyed slums/low-income communities, all residents of Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee and the low-income community at Aminbazar, and approximately one third of total residents of Kamrangirchar low-income community have gas supply for cooking, availability is intermittent at times. But there is no gas supply in Kallayanpur Pora Bostee (See Fig. 3.6).

Some of the identified challenges regarding gas/fuel supply are:

n There is no gas supply in Kallayanpur PoraBostee where families pay around 1,000 - 1,200 BDT per month for buying fire wood. Availability of fire wood during wet season is very difficult.

n Use of inefficient clay stove in Kallyanpur Pora Bostee poses significant fire hazard and a major source of indoor air pollution.

n No continuous supply of gas in the low-income communities in Aminbazar and Kamrangirchar. Therefore, it becomes very challenging to finish cooking in time, particularly for those who share cooking burners.

Figure 3.5: Electric connection at Kallayanpur (left) and Mohakhali (right) slums are in very dangerous condition and is a major reason of fire hazards.

Figure 3.6: Common kitchen in Mohakhali slum (left) where gas supply is available and use of firewood in Kallayanpur slum (right), where there is no gas supply.

20


The details survey findings from the four study areas are provided below in Table 3.5.

Table 3.5: Existing scenario of fuel supply for cooking in four surveyed areas

Issue Mohakhali Shat TolaBostee


Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Cooking system Gas stoves used for cooking. Gas supply is available since 2008-09.

Clay oven is used for cooking with firewood.

About 70% people use gas stove, and 30% use clay oven with firewood. Gas supply is available since 2008-09.

Gas stove is used for cooking. Gas supply is available since 2002.

Mechanism of getting gas supply in households

Residents contact with agent who works as a middleman to get gas connection.

There is no gas supply in the slum area.

Residents contact with agent who works as a middleman to get gas connection.

Gas supply from Titas, the legal authority for gas supply.

Availability of gas for cooking

Except for winter, gas supply is available. Sometimes there is no gas from 10 am to 3 pm. During winter season, sufficient gas is not available.

There is no gas supply in the slum area.

Gas is available for cooking for 4 hrs, from 1am to 5am.

Gas is available for cooking for 3 hours, from 10am to 1pm.

Fuel cost per month

The house owners have to pay 600 BDT per burner to the agent (who facilitates gas connection).

The daily expense for firewood is 40 BDT. Therefore, a family pays around 1,200 BDT per month for fuel.

Gas bill is integrated with the rent. Firewood cost is around 50-60 BDT per day.

Gas bill is integrated with the rent, which is 650 BDT/month.

21

Study Findings

3.4 Environmental IssuesSolid waste management, wastewater/storm water/sullage drainage system, indoor air pollution and noise pollutions were considered in this study as ‘‘environmental issues’’. The findings from the FGDs and physical inspection are summarized below.

3.4.1 Solid Waste ManagementSolid waste collection system has been found in all four surveyed communities (Fig. 3.7), though some people do not take the service and dumps their wastes in drains/ rivers/ low-lying areas which is causing environmental hazards (See Fig. 3.8).

Some of the identified challenges regarding solid waste management are:

n There is no dustbin inside the slum/LIC area for waste dumping. Therefore, if the waste collection vans do not come for 2/3 days, it causes nuisance and inconvenience to slum dwellers.

n Many families do not take the waste collection service from service providers and are dumping their household wastes in open places, which is causing environmental degradation.

Figure 3.7: Waste collection van in operation in Aminbazarlow-income community.

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Table 3.6: Existing scenario of solid waste management in four surveyed areas



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Primary waste collection system

Residents put solid waste into a container or polythene bag in the kitchen. Some house owners provide large plastic containers for all of the tenants. City Corporation’s waste collecting van comes every day, collects waste and dumps near a bus stand. There is no designated place/dustbin for waste dumping inside the slum area.

Initially residents store waste in a container in their kitchen. Every morning waste collection van comes door to door to collect solid waste. The waste collection van dumps waste near a bus stand. There is no designated place/dustbin for waste dumping inside the slum area.

Approximately half of the total households initially store waste in a container in their kitchen. This waste is collected by waste collection vans. The rest of the residents directly dump their household wastes into the nearby river. There is no designated place/dustbin for waste dumping inside the slum.

Few households initially store waste in a container in their kitchen. This waste is collected by waste collection vans. The rest of the residents directly dump their household wastes in the low-lying areas near the river.

There is no designated place/dustbin for waste dumping inside the slum area.

How much they pay for waste collection services

Each household pays 50 BDT per month to the service providers for the waste collection service.

Each household pays 40- 50 BDT per month to the service providers for the waste collection service.

Each household pays 40- 50 BDT per month to the service providers for the waste collection service.

Each household pays 50 BDT per month to the service providers for the waste collection service (private company).

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Study Findings

Figure 3.8: Solid waste dumping in Kamrangirchar low-income community (left) and solid waste dumping near Buriganga river bank in Kamrangirchar low-income community (right).

3.4.2 Wastewater, Storm Water and Sullage Drainage SystemIn all four surveyed slums/LICs, open drains are used for drainage of all kinds of water and wastewater including storm water. The drainage system is not properly maintained and often causes environmental hazards. The major challenges identified during the study are:

n The drainage system is open, people dump different kinds of wastes into the drain. Some infrastructures like shop and toilet have been built over the drain, making it difficult to clean the drains properly. As a result, the drains often get clogged (See Fig. 3.9).

n As there is no separate wastewater drainage system; the same drain is used for both wastewater and storm water. Since the drains often remain clogged due to lack of maintenance and cleaning, the storm water cannot drain out, particularly during heavier rain events, and the whole area becomes water-logged. This problem is common in all of the studied slums/LICs. This also affects the road and transportation system (See Fig. 3.10).

n In Kamrangirchar, another problem is low elevation of land. During monsoon period, water back flows from the Buriganga River into the slum, and causes prolonged water logging.

Figure 3.9: Water logging after heavy rainfall event is a commonproblem in all of the four surveyed areas.

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The details survey findings from the four studied areas on drainage system are provided below in Table 3.7.

Table 3.7: Existing scenario of drainage systems in four surveyed areas



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Household wastewater drainage system

Internal drainage system is directly connected to the city drainage network. DSK installed the internal drainage network in 2013.

Internal drainage system is directly connected to the city drainage network. DSK installed the internal drainage network.

Internal drainage network is directly connected to the river. Some part of the drainage network was installed by government and the rest was installed by house owners.

Internal drains are connected to a large sewer which disposes the waste water/storm water into a large pit. The common drainage lines were installed by Union Parishad and the branch lines were installed by house owners.

Storm water drainage facility

There is no separate storm water drainage system. Same drainage system is used for both wastewater and storm water.

Condition of drains

Fecal matter was found in the drains; drains often get clogged and cause backflow.

Maintenance system

Local community hires sweepers to clean. Sometimes City Corporation cleans the drains.

Local community hires sweepers to clean the drains.



Figure 3.10: Household wastewater drainage pipe in Kallayanpur slum (left) and wastewater disposal into a low-lying land in Aminbazar low-income community (right).

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Study Findings

3.4.3 Indoor Air PollutionTo understand the air pollution scenario in the surveyed areas, the residents were asked questions regarding their cooking practices, ventilation system inside the kitchen, whether or not they use any environmental friendly cooking system/burner (i.e., ICS or improved cooking stoves), and what they do during power outage.

In the absence of proper ventilation, indoor air pollution from cooking is common in all four study areas (Fig. 3.11). This is particularly acute in Kallyanpur Pora Bostee and parts of Kamrangirchar LIC where energy-inefficient traditional cooking stoves are used with firewood. The kerosene burnt open lamp used during power outage is also a source of indoor air pollution. Women and children are particularly exposed to the ill effects of such indoor air pollution (Fig. 3.12). The details of survey findings from the four studied areas on indoor air pollution are provided below in Table 3.8.

Table 3.8: Air pollution in four surveyed areas due to indoor cookingIssue Mohakhali Shat

Tola BosteeKallayanpur Pora

BosteeKamrangirchar

(LIC)Aminbazar (LIC)

Location for cooking

Indoor cooking (kitchen).

Both indoor and outdoor.

Both indoor and outdoor.

Indoor cooking (kitchen).

Ventilation for smoke created by cooking

No proper ventilation system in the kitchen which generates a lot of smoke inside the house.



In most houses, there is ventilation system in the kitchen to let the smoke out of the kitchen.

Use of ICS Gas stove is used for cooking

Traditional clay stove is used. None of the households use ICS.

In households without gas connection, traditional clay stove is used

Gas stove is used for cooking

Lighting during power outage

Kerosene lamp, candles




Figure 3.11: Slum- dwellers cut their tin walls to let the smoke out since there is no other ventilation system in their kitchen.

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3.4.4 Noise PollutionThe slums and low income communities in Mohakhali, Kallayanpur and Kamrangirchar are very near the main road. Therefore, the noise pollution was evident in these slums/LICs, although people have gotten accustomed with it and does not consider it as a hazard. In Kamrangirchar, there is a small industry near the low-income community, which is another major source of noise pollution in that area. The Aminbazar low-income community is relatively free of noise pollution.

3.5 InfrastructureUnder this section, the housing conditions and internal road network conditions in the surveyed slums and low-income communities and were studied (Fig. 3.13 and 3.14).

3.5.1 Housing ConditionDuring FGDs and surveys, information were gathered regarding types of houses, size and rent of these houses, the procedure of renting houses, and on maintenance. The detail survey findings from the four study areas are provided below in Table 3.9.

Table 3.9: Housing conditions in four surveyed areas



Kamrangirchar (LIC) Aminbazar(LIC)

Types of house

Semi concrete and tin shed house are predominant.

Structure is made with tin, wood and bamboo, and floor finishing is done with mortar.

Structure is made with tin, wood and bamboo with tin-shed roof.

Semi-concrete and tin shed houses are predominant.

Size of the houses

There is no fixed size of the houses; 10’ X 12’ is the average size.




House rent The house rent is between 1,000 BDT – 2,500 BDT, which is paid to the owners.

The house rent is 1,800 BDT for a single room and 3,000 BDT for double room, which is paid to the owners.

The house rent is between 2,000-4,000 BDT, which is paid to the owners.

The house rent is between 1,700-2,500 BDT, which is paid to the owners.

Figure 3.12: Families cooking outside their houses in Kamrangirchar (left) and Aminbazar (right) low-income communities.

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Study Findings

Figure 3.13: Two-storied tin-shed houses in Mohakhali Shat Tola Slum (left) and tin-shed houses in Aminbazar low-income community (right).

Figure 3.14: The housing condition in Kamrangirchar low-income community with narrow accer road.

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3.5.2 Internal Road NetworkThe major identified problem regarding internal road network is that fire trucks, ambulances, waste collection van, vacutug, etc. cannot access these internal roads because of their narrow width (Fig. 3.15 and 3.16). The details survey findings from the four study areas are provided below in Table 3.10.

Table 3.10: Internal road conditions in four surveyed areas



Kamrangirchar (LIC)

Aminbazar (LIC)

Types and conditions of roads

The internal road network is built of brick flat soling which is in very poor condition. The roads are narrow, broken with potholes, water logged, and dirty during wet season.

Few internal narrow road are made of concrete and the connection road with the main road is made of brick flat soling. Branch road condition is good but main road is broken with potholes, dirty and muddy.

The internal road network is built of brick flat soling which is in very poor condition. The roads are narrow, broken with potholes, water logged and dirty during wet season.

Inside narrow road is made of brick and outside broad road is made of brick/asphalt. Road condition is good.

Road width There is a 26 ft wide road connecting the slum to the main road. There are few branch lanes that are only 2 ft wide.

There are several 2ft to 3 ft wide lanes inside the slum area which are connected to main road.

Internal lanes width ranges between 2ft to 4 ft.

Internal lanes width ranges between 4ft to 7ft.

Maintenance mechanism of roads

Roads are not regularly maintained. Sometimes government repairs the roads though most of the times local communities repair roads with limited resources.

Local communities and house owners repair the roads.



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Study Findings

3.6 Health ServicesIn the four slums and low income communities, questions were asked during the FGDs about the availability of primary health services and health education. In Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee, there are few clinics/hospitals near the slum area, both government and private (Fig. 3.17). Also DSK has appointed a doctor who comes three days a week. Moreover another organization, “Shokhi”, works for women’s health, medical care, medical information and maternity health. It also works for women rights and provides recreational support to children. “Shokhi” has also appointed a doctor for health care.

The slum dwellers in Kallayanpur Pora Bostee usually go to Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College and Hospital (Govt.) for treatment of serious issues, and to Bobita Hospital (Private) and Community Clinic (NGO) for normal health related illnesses. NGOs like BRAC and DSK have also provided health support to dwellers of this slum in the past (See Fig. 3.18).

Mitford Hospital and Dhaka Medical College are the Government hospitals, which are near the surveyed Kamrangirchar low-income community. Apart from that, DSK provides health education to the community every month.

For health care, dwellers of the low income community of Aminbazar usually go to the private hospital near the Fulbaria bus stand. In the past years, government organizations and BRAC (NGO) have provided them with health education.

Figure 3.15: The branch lanes in Kallayanpur slum (left) and in Kamrangirchar low-income community(right) which are linked to main road.

Figure 3.16: The road that links the slum area to the main roadat Mohakhali slum.

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3.7 Primary EducationTo acquire information about the education system in slums and low income communities, questions were asked regarding the education facilities including the availability of schools in the slum/LIC areas, the rate of drop out after completing primary and secondary education, the reason behind dropping out of schools and also about the difference between the dropout rates of boys and girls. Primary education facilities were given priority in this study.

Figure 3.18: A homeotherapy clinic at Mohakhali slum (left) and a health clinic at Kallayanpur slum (right) where people visit for treatment.

Figure 3.17: A government hospital near the Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee.

There are 11 primary schools run by BRAC, 2 madrasas, 1 government primary school, and 1 semi-government school and college in and around Mohakhali Shat Tola Bostee. In Kallayanpur slum, there are 6 primary schools run by BRAC, 2 private schools, a private school run by non-government voluntary development organization, and 1 madrasa. In Kamrangirchar, there are 5 kindergartens, 5 NGO-run schools, 6 madrasas, and 1 government primary school. In and around the Aminbazar low-income community, there is a primary school run by BRAC and a government primary school (Fig. 3.19 and 3.20).

According to the dwellers, the dropout rates after completing primary education in the four slums and low income communities are high. In Kamrangirchar low-income community it was reported that 9 out of 10 children stop going to schools after completing primary education which is around 50% in other 3 surveyed areas. The dropout rate increases in all four slums/LICs after secondary education, which is almost 100% in Aminbazar and Kamrangirchar areas, and above 50% in other two slum areas. Poverty has been considered as the main reason for dropping out of schools by the dwellers in these areas. The dropout rate of girls is higher than boys in all the areas. One reason for this is the availability of job in garment factories for the girls.

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Study Findings

Figure 3.19: BRAC primary education service is a common facility is all the surveyed slums/LICs.

Figure 3.20: NGO supported primary education facility in Kallayanpur slum (left) and a govt. primary school in Aminbazar (right).

3.8 Emergency Response

Under this section, the fire safety and preparedness against natural disasters in the surveyed areas were given priority. The sub sections summarize the findings on emergency response of the communities living in these slums/LICs.

3.8.1 Fire SafetyDuring FGDs and field surveys, information were collected on the frequency of major fire hazard, existing control measure, access of fire trucks into the slum area, and about the potential sources of the fire hazards. According to the residents of four surveyed areas, the main reason of fire hazard in the slums are: leakage of gas line, electric short circuit and carelessness (Mohakhali); carelessness during cooking (Kallayanpur); candle, mosquito coils, stove, electric short circuit and unawareness (Kamrangirchar); and cooking burner, electric short circuit and carelessness (Aminbazar).

One of the main challenges during a fire event is that the fire brigade team with standard fire extinguishing gears cannot reach the spot on time as the internal roads are too narrow.

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Table 3.11: Fire hazard and safety conditions in four surveyed areas


Kallayanpur Pora Bostee Kamrangirchar (LIC) Aminbazar (LIC)

Year of recent fire hazards

1998, 1999, 2011 and 15th May of 2015

2010, 2011 (May) 1999, 2009, 2014, 2015 (June/July)

2011/2012, 2014, 2015

Damages caused by fires

Lots of houses were burnt, damage of properties, and also deaths reported during few fire events.

Access of fire trucks during fire hazards

Fire truck can only enter into the nearby road which is wide enough. But it cannot reach the inner areas from the nearby wider road.

As the roads are very narrow, fire trucks cannot enter into the slum area.

As the roads are very narrow, fire trucks cannot enter into the slum area.

The fire trucks can enter into the roads, but it takes a lot of time to reach most of the inner areas.

Fire protection mechanism

During fire hazards, local communities use sand, water, heavy wet clothes etc. They carry water in buckets and throw it into the fire which is not very effective.

During fire hazards, local communities use water of lake beside the slum. They carry water in buckets and throw it into the fire which is not very effective.

During fire hazards, local communities use river water, groundwater, etc. They carry water in buckets and throw it into the fire which is not so effective.

During fire hazards, local communities use water from a lake beside the slum, tube well water, etc. They carry water in buckets and throw it into the fire which is not very effective.

3.8.2 Response to Natural DisastersWater logging is a common problem during heavy rain in all four slums and low income communities surveyed. Severe flooding took place in 1998 and 2004 in Kamrangirchar area, and in 1988, 1998 and 2004 in Aminbazar low income community.

In all four surveyed areas, no precaution or preventive measure was found active. Most of the households in Mohakhali, Kallayanpur, and Kamrangirchar are vulnerable to any cyclone or storm events. Many of these houses are ofter greatly damaged by stony cyclones. In Aminbazar community, most houses were found well-built and can withstand storms except for some houses made of tin-shed.

Communities usually get information about the cyclone/storm event from television. After recent storm events, residents of the Mohakhali slum received support from DSK (NGO), Proshika (NGO), City Corporation Mayor and Commissioners. In Aminbazar, World Vision provided some support after the major flood in 1998. But the slum dwellers of Kallayanpur and Kamrangirchar did not receive any support from any organization after any natural disaster.

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Study Findings

3.9 Recreational FacilitiesIn this study, recreational facilities for children in the slums/LICs i.e., playground and greeneries in and around the areas were considered.

3.9.1 Playground for ChildrenIn Mohakhali slum area there is one open space inside the slum area although it is not used as a playground. There are two playgrounds in the slum area at Kallayanpur. There is no playground in the Kamrangirchar area. But in Aminbazar, children play in the field of a primary school.

Private recreational facility exists in the Mohakhali slum area. “Shokhi” provides playing materials to the children. Adults have to pay for playing carom. DSK center is the recreational facility for the people of Kallayanpur low income community. In both Kamrangirchar and Aminbazar, there is no club or recreational facility for anyone (Fig. 3.21).

Children play in hall room of “Shokhi” and some children play in the field of a hospital in Mohakhali slum area. In Kallayanpur children play in the field and lane; the children of Kamrangirchar slum area play in the narrow lane and the road beside river. In Amin Bazar, the children play in the school playground, field and on road.

3.9.2 GreeneriesDuring FGDs and field surveys, information were gathered about availability of space for gardening and whether or not any resident practice homestead gardening in the slum (Fig. 3.22).

In slum areas of Mohakhali and Kamrangirchar, there is no space for gardening and none of the residents practice homestead gardening. The dwellers in Kallayanpur practice homestead gardening in a very small scale. In Aminbazar, there are spaces for gardening and they also practice homestead gardening.

3.10 Crime and Crime Prevention MechanismTo obtain information about crime rate and the prevention mechanism, questions asked regarding the type of crime that take place in slum/LIC areas, prevention mechanism of those crimes, the effectiveness of these prevention mechanisms and whether or not they receive any services from police, slum owners or NGOs for crime prevention.

Figure 3.21: In most slums, children play in frontof their houses on the narrow roads.

Figure 3.22: Very few houses were found practicingany type of homestead gardening.

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Most of the common crimes in the slums and low income communities are theft, eve teasing, snatching, drugs, etc. To prevent crimes, the residents usually complain to the local administration and police in the Mohakhali slum area. In both Kallayanpur and Amin Bazar, the dwellers usually complain to the local leaders.

In Mohakhali slum area, crime prevention mechanism is reported to be working partially, whereas in Kallayanpur, this is not effective at all as criminals are reported to have political power. Local police and ward commissioners sometimes come to solve the problem although the residents are not happy with this mechanism. In Kamrangirchar, the residents usually complain to the administration, but according to them this mechanism is not effective at all. In Aminbazar, residents usually complain to the RAB/ police/ administration. RAB/police/administration has recently started surveillance programs in this area. After this special monitoring, the crime rate has been reduced to some extent.

3.11 Access to InformationTelevision is the major source of information in all of the four slums surveyed (Fig. 3.23). The residents get most of the information through different TV channels. They also get local information through mike announcements. There is internet facility inside the Mohakhali slum area.

3.12 Leadership Pattern and GovernanceAll the slums and LIC areas under this study are located within the jurisdiction of Dhaka North and South City Corporations. Accordingly, the local administrations of the City Corporation and other government agencies, e.g., DWASA, organizations for gas, electricity etc. are responsible for various service provisions. A major responsibility of the elected local Councilor of the City Corporation is to ensure development of slums and LICs including provisions of basic services for the slum dwellers. The leadership pattern however, changes and becomes more effective with NGO interventions when different groups including women group, youth group, and elderly people within the community are organized and trained to arrange, operate and maintain various service facilities.

Figure 3.23: Television is most popular as a source ofinformation in all four slums/LICs.

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Learning from the Case Study

4 LEARNING FROM THE CASE STUDYThe major learning from the case study could be summarized as follows:

1. The case study revealed that the residents of the slums and low income communities (LICs) in urban areas are facing diverse challenges, ranging from inadequate utility services (water, sanitation, power, and gas/fuel); environmental challenges (e.g., SWM, drainage, air pollution); narrow internal roads and poor housing; lack of proper healthcare, education, and recreational facilities; and prevalence of crime.

2. Many of these challenges are interrelated. For example, improvement of water supply often leads to deterioration of drainage problem (due to generation of higher drainage/ wastewater). Expansion of sanitation facilities without proper FSM does not bring about desired health and environmental benefits; sanitation facilities without special provisions for women (e.g., separate toilet women with menstrual hygiene facilities), people with disability, old and very young deprive these community from enjoying the benefits of improved sanitation systems. Poor power supply infrastructure and poor cooking environment often lead to fire hazard, and indoor air pollution, particularly affecting the women and the young. Poor quality house and narrow roads increase the vulnerability of slums/LICs against natural disasters and fire hazards. Improved healthcare services, education and recreational facilities could significantly improve quality of life in the slums and LICs.

3. Majority of interventions by Government and Non-Government organizations in slums and LICs appear to focus on the basic utility services, particularly water supply and sanitation. However, even these interventions appear to suffer from certain limitations. For example, interventions in the area of water supply primarily focus on availability of water, and less on management (e.g., tariff) and drainage; interventions in sanitation seldom considers fecal sludge management (FSM), and often ignores special needs (e.g., of women, people with disability).

4. Certain important areas often receive limited attention; these include drainage, SWM, power, gas/fuel, indoor air pollution, and fire hazard. Some of these issues are interrelated; for

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example, supply of natural gas or improved cooking stove (ICS) could significantly reduce indoor air pollution (which would result in significant health benefits) and decrease vulnerability to fire hazard. Similarly improved/legal power supply could also significantly reduce risks of fire hazards (from electrical short-circuiting) and accidents. Similarly, improved SWM system could bring about significant improvement in drainage and public health.

5. Although some praiseworthy interventions have been observed in some slums/LICs in the areas of healthcare, education, and recreational facilities, these are not widespread; interventions in these areas could significantly improve quality of life in slums/LICs.

6. The interventions made by different organizations have largely been focusing on a few service provisions and are not holistic. It appears that the local government institutions were not adequately involved and the interventions lack coordination and monitoring.

7. In absence of a clear slum development policy, and the land tenure/ownership issue remaining unresolved, interventions are disjointed and are not going to be effective in promoting inclusive urban development.

8. An ‘integrated development approach’ is therefore, needed considering all the important aspects for improving the quality of life of people of the slums and low income communities for sustainable, inclusive and safe urban living.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LITERATURE CONSULTED

The case study was conducted with funding support from the Asian Development Bank through “South Asia Urban Knowledge Hub” project. The support provided by the officials of Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), in identifying the slums and low income communities (LICs), sharing information on slums and LICs, and facilitating access of the study team to the selected slums and LICs during the field survey and consultations is gratefully acknowledged.

BBS (2015), Census of Slum Areas and Floating Population 2014: Preliminary Report, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), May 2015.

GoB (2013), National Sustainable Development Strategy 2010-21, Planning Commission, Government of Bangladesh.

Nazem, N, I., Chowdhury, A. I., Mahbub, A. Q. M., Shafi, S. A., and Roberts, B. H. (2011), City Cluster Economic Development: Bangladesh Case Study, Centre for Urban Studies (CUS).

Oxfam-ITN (2015), WASH challenges in urban slums in Dhaka city, Report of joint research of Oxfam and International Training Network Center (ITN), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka.

Rahman, M. (2013), Urban Sanitation: A Case Study in Low Income Communities of Dhaka City, Study supported by Freshwater Action Network South Asia –Bangladesh (FANSA-BD).

UNDP (2014), Resilient Bangladesh, UNDP Bangladesh Annual Report 2013-14.

World Bank (2007), Dhaka: Improving Living Condition for the Urban Poor, Bangladesh Development Series Paper No. 17, The World Bank Office, Agargaon, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

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ITN-BUETARI-ITN Building (4th & 5th floor)Bangladesh University of Engineering and TechnologyDhaka 1000, Bangladesh

Phone: 880-2-9663693, 9665650-80 Extr.: 7104E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]: http://itn.buet.ac.bd

Documents

Case Study 2 front Study_2.pdf · city in terms of basic services, infrastructures and governance. In this study, facilities that are critical for maintaining minimum living standard