Squatter settlements, slums devoid of civic amenities
State Minister for Housing and Public Works Abdul Mannan Khan addresses a view exchange meeting at Cirdap auditorium in the city yesterday. On his left are Prof Nazrul Islam, economist MM Akash and lawmaker Shagufta Yasmin.Photo: STAR
The squatter settlements and slums in and around the capital are devoid of basic civic amenities such as electricity, gas and water supply.
Urban planners said this yesterday at a view exchange meeting titled “The role of policy makers in improving the lives of slum dwellers” organised by 'Onneshan' and supported by Manusher Jonno Foundation at CIRDAP auditorium.
They pointed out that the slum dwellers pay a lot of money to illegal sources for such services. The payment, however, does not reach the government.
A study by Onneshan shows that a slum dwelling family pays about Tk 250 monthly for electricity to run a fan and a light whereas its legal value is not more than Tk 150.
Slum dwellers at the programme urged the government to establish a system to provide legal utility services to slums.
Referring to the very important role played by slum dwellers in urban setting they demanded low-cost housing facilities for them in the city.
Economist MM Akash said, to end the pilferage the government should consider providing legal connection to slum dwellers who pay to the wrong hands.
He also stressed proper land reform policy establishing government's control over unused land.
Abdul Mannan Khan, state minister for housing and public works said at the meeting the problems of slum dwellers can be addressed with proper policies such as Detailed Area Plan.
He assured the slum dwellers that the government has no plan to evict them.
Chaired by Prof Nazrul Islam, lawmaker Shagufta Yasmin spoke at the programme among others.
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