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Description |
The project aims to increase growth potential and environmental sustainability of two city regions based on coherent regional urban planning. A city region is defined as an organic agglomeration of a large city, surrounding secondary towns, and adjacent peri-urban areas. The project will target the city regions of Dhaka and Khulna. It will support the development of key urban infrastructure, focusing on urban environment and local economic development. The project also supports government efforts to improve regional and urban planning, and to strengthen municipal management and capacity for effective and sustainable urban development. |
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Project Rationale and Linkage to Country/Regional Strategy |
Bangladesh has urbanized very rapidly and its frameworks of urban planning and development are not capable to meet the evolving demands. Growing at current rates, the country's urban population is estimated to double by 2035 and reach 74 million. In the course of this rapid urbanization, a large city (city corporation), surrounding secondary towns (pourashavas), and adjacent peri-urban areas (urban centers) have been agglomerating into a city region with close economic and social links. However, while effectively one sprawling city, it is still administered by multiple municipal governments. Because a comprehensive framework for integrated planning and coordination among municipalities is lacking, the city regions have been unable to realize their full development potential. Implementation of the Dhaka Metropolitan Development Plan (DMDP) (1995-2015) has been very slow, and the plan is fast becoming outdated. Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (RAJUK) led the preparation of the DMDP, and there are criticisms that it did not sufficiently consult with the public and the municipalities. Private and public development projects are not always coordinated enough to focus limited resources on priority areas. |
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Impact |
Enhanced growth potential and environmental sustainability |
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