Potential and Prospects of On-Site Slum Up-Gradation Program in Dhaka

Dhaka is one of the fastest growing megacities in the world with high pace of population growth. Most of the urban poor are living in the slums areas in a very inhuman condition which leads to the overall degradation of urban environment. But these poor people contribute significantly to the urban economy through their services in different sectors. Housing for poor is one of the crucial factors which needs immediate attention but both public and private sector has failed to address this issue. This paper focuses on understanding the socio-economic and living condition of the slum people. Among the 4,900 slums in Dhaka city, five slums were selected and a questionnaire survey was conducted on 150 households. Findings reveal the substandard housing condition of the slum dwellers though they are paying on an average 11 tk/sq. ft. rent which is comparable to the house rents paid by many high/middle class residents of Dhaka. Finally an on-site upgradation plan for the slum has been developed in consultation with the slum dwellers. It is found that the slum dwellers are willing to pay more for a better living. It is also possible to recover some portion of the valuable urban land occupied by the existing slum dwellers. Finally a framework was developed for implementation and management purpose to make the whole upgradation scheme a feasible project and also for the participation of the slum people in this scheme