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In a bid to address the housing needs of low-income people, particularly those living in slum areas, the Ministry of Housing and Public Works has announced a series of housing projects across various cities of Bangladesh, including the capital, Dhaka.
The initiatives were unveiled during a meeting chaired by Public Works Minister Obaidul Muktadir Chowdhury on Monday (May 13).
Aligned with the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the Ministry has been tasked with preparing project proposals aimed at constructing rental-based flats for low-income people.
The focus of these projects extends beyond mere housing provision; they aim to integrate environmental sustainability and community development aspects into their design and implementation.
During the meeting, Minister Chowdhury emphasised the importance of environmental protection, afforestation, preservation of open spaces, establishment of playgrounds, sewage treatment plants, and the utilisation of solar energy.
He also advocated for the use of eco-friendly materials such as block bricks instead of terracotta bricks, rainwater harvesting systems, and the maximisation of surface water usage in the projects.
The initial phase of the project will see the construction of 12,600 flats across 100 multi-storey buildings in Dattapara, Tongi.
These flats will be distributed in three phases, with the first phase comprising 2,142 residential units in 17 15-storey buildings. Proposals for the subsequent phases, totaling 11,358 flats, are currently under review.
In a bid to expedite the process, Minister Chowdhury directed the Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) and the Public Works Department to undertake separate projects for constructing flats in the Karail and T&T Colony slums of Dhaka.
Besides, a uniform design for these flats, spanning 750 square feet in gross area, is being developed under the guidance of the chief architect.
In addition to these initiatives, 10 acres of land have been allocated for low-income housing in the Uttara Housing Project's third phase, being implemented by RAJUK.
The Ministry aims to swiftly draft project proposals for the construction of flats on this designated land, with financing options ranging from government funding to support from development aid organisations.
The meeting also highlighted ongoing efforts by the National Housing Authority to provide rental-based flats for slum dwellers in Mirpur, Dhaka, and the rehabilitation of landless slum dwellers affected by river erosion in Kobdaspara, Sirajganj.
Minister Chowdhury stressed the importance of leveraging the experiences gained from these projects for future initiatives, along with ensuring positive publicity to showcase the government's philanthropic endeavors.
Key stakeholders, including Secretary Nabirul Islam, officials from the National Housing Authority, and representatives from various departments and organisations also attended the meeting.
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