Spring 2001

 Assessment Of Water Supply, Sanitation And Solid Waste Management Of A Slum Area In Dhaka City

Mohammed Abu Shahriar , Abul Quasem Tawasin,Mohammad Muyeenuzzaman

Now a days slums are an integral part of Dhaka city. At present 19.4% of the total population of Dhaka city live in slums (CUS, 1996). Due to poverty of the slum dwellers, they are unable to maintain the minimum standard of living. The environmental conditions of the slums are not good as well.

Based on the information of DSK (secondary data), the existing situation reflects that the coverage of the water supply is 99% from DWASA and 1% from the tube well; sanitary latrine practice is 40% and pit latrine 60% in the selected slum. The solid wastes are collected and disposed in the traditional way, which is not satisfactory. This is an innovative observation that reflects the water supply, solid waste management and sanitation of an old and well-established slum in Dhaka city.

 Various technical and socioeconomic parameters, which are related to the situations, are used for this study. On the basis of technical analysis & questionnaire survey it was found that the overall environmental situation is very poor in this slum. To improve the present situation, slum dwellers participation should be ensured with initiatives for the development of the existing water supply & sanitation. Number of water points with desired quality and sanitary latrine should be increased. For the solid wastes that are generated by the slum, the BIOGAS PLANT can be a useful solution for the dwellers. Moreover the health and hygiene practices and the environmental pollution, extensive educational programs and publicity through mass media, poster and motivational lectures should be arranged so as to increase the awareness of the slum dwellers.