Why Housing Matters: Insights from the Affordable Housing Program Field Visit to Chandpur, Bangladesh

During a recent field visit to an affordable housing initiative in Chandpur, a key component of the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) flagship urban resilience initiative, we were inspired by the remarkable stories of women and youth entrepreneurs. These individuals exemplified determination, not only overcoming significant socio-economic challenges but also catalyzing impactful growth within their communities and beyond. Their success highlights the critical need for continuing collaboration with marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of empowering their voices to ensure sustained improvements in their lives. 

Key initiatives weaved together socio-economic support and robust technical infrastructure. These efforts promote green businesses to boost women’s independence and livelihoods and develop a locally-led climate-smart development model to combat the impacts of the climate crisis. We also experienced firsthand the impacts of targeted educational initiatives for girls. As Bangladesh forges ahead with impressive economic growth, it confronts significant challenges that affect the livelihoods and well-being of its urban poor,  many of whom have been key contributors to Bangladesh’s development story thus far. 

Through the Livelihoods Improvement of the Urban Poor Communities (LIUPC) Project, UNDP is ensuring inclusive human development in the face of climate change in urban settings, enhancing the resilience of over 4 million people across 19 cities nationwide. Among these is Chandpur, strategically located at the confluence of three major rivers in the Gangetic delta, just two hours south of Dhaka city. Our field visit there offered a firsthand glimpse at the profound impact of these initiatives, showcasing the transformative power of comprehensive development strategies. 

This blog delves deeper into the affordable housing component of this multifaceted program, exploring its far-reaching effects on the well-being of the vulnerable. More than just a sustainable solution to shelter, this major initiative is also improving the quality of life, enabling families to thrive and live with dignity. Representing a sustainable, self-sustaining approach, this model has the potential to transform communities fundamentally. 

Rapid Urbanisation and the Urban Housing Crisis in Bangladesh
Bangladesh is undergoing rapid urbanization, with its urban population soaring from 30 million in 2000 to 70 million by 2023. This growth has created an overwhelming demand for affordable housing. Currently, there is a housing deficit of about 6 million units, projected to rise to 10.5 million by 2030, with 70% of that demand for affordable options. Unfortunately, only 31,500 units are built annually—just 1% of what’s needed. This imbalance has led to a surge in slum growth, including in Dhaka's slums, with  a 20% population increasing from 2010 to 2020. Today, 1.73 million people still live in slums, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable housing solutions. 

Housing conditions for the growing urban poor are extremely challenging, characterized by unsanitary, lacking in access to basic services, and densely populated environments. 

Housing is often located in environmentally hazardous areas, which plays a devastating role in the lives of the urban poor due to exposure to causes of poor public health, for example, lack of drainage and sewage management. It is also often exposed to climate-induced vulnerabilities ranging from fire to urban flooding to public health crises. The urban poor spend a substantial share of their hard-earned income on poor-quality housing not only in terms of very high rent at low-income urban settlements and slums (per square foot) but also on recurring costs associated with repairs after the increasing climate-induced hazards.

As rural-to-urban migration increases, further driven by climate-induced factors, the Government of Bangladesh has recognized housing as a key challenge in achieving SDG 11 on "Sustainable Cities and Communities." The demand for affordable housing has never been more urgent. In response, UNDP has been showcasing sustainable housing solutions across five cities, reaching over 600 families. 

Government of Bangladesh’s Pioneering Public-Financed Housing: A UNDP Collaboration   

In a landmark initiative, the Government of Bangladesh has pioneered its first publicly financed social housing project under the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project (LIUPCP), implemented through the technical support of UNDP and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

This initiative is targeted towards the most vulnerable urban families, including low-income service workers such as Municipality and City Corporation sweepers and cleaners—groups traditionally ostracized and marginalized within communities, perpetuating cycles of poverty.  

A cost-effective, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing model has been successfully showcased in five strategically selected secondary cities—Chandpur, Kushtia, Gopalganj, Rangpur, and Noakhali, reaching over 2,300 marginalized individuals. This support is particularly crucial in secondary cities and peri-urban areas, where strategic development can mitigate the pressures facing major urban centers over the coming decades. 

This initiative also marks a beacon of hope for those traditionally excluded from such developmental narratives, ensuring that no one is left behind in the nation’s progress.

Key Features of UNDP’s Affordable Housing Model: 

Rigorous Beneficiary Selection: UNDP employs a meticulous identification and selection process, adhering to established guidelines, which considers factors like household income, number of dependents, landlessness, homelessness, disability, and households headed by elderly women.

Secure Land Tenure: Beneficiaries receive a secure land tenure through a 99-year lease, provided by local government (municipality/city corporation), including co-ownership rights with the spouse.

• Access to Safe Water and Community Maintenance: The model guarantees access to safe water and involves the community in leading operations and maintenance to ensure sustainability.
•  Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Design: The architecture integrates climate-resilient and sustainable design, focusing on local economic and environmental conditions, and broader sustainability goals.
•  Inclusivity in Design: The design is inclusively tailored towards persons with disabilities and the elderly, featuring special accessible rooms and toilet facilities.
• Support for Local Lifestyles: The housing supports local lifestyles, like chicken and livestock keeping, using resilient materials to minimize climate-related damage, thereby creating sustainable and adaptable living environments.Eco-friendly Construction Materials: The use of hollow building blocks in construction helps reduce the environmental footprint, aligning with eco-friendly construction practices.

From Struggle to Strength: Prema Das's Journey to Improved Living in Chandpur 

Prema Das, a 27-year-old mother of two, embodies hope as she recounts her family's transformative journey since moving into their new home, part of a UNDP initiative aimed at providing affordable housing for marginalized communities in Bangladesh. Just four months ago, Prema, her husband—a city sanitation worker—and their two young daughters, Pihu and Sarika, relocated to a housing unit in Chandpur that offers more than mere shelter.

This change was made possible when the Das family was selected through a multidimensional poverty index maintained by UNDP, which highlighted their need based on their socio-economic background and the undervalued nature of Prema's husband's work.

Now, the family enjoys a home with reliable electricity, safe drinking water, and proper sanitation—amenities they once only dreamed of. "It’s a big change for us," Prema shares. "Having constant electricity, clean water, and our own toilet has significantly improved our hygiene and overall health. My kids love it, especially with the space to play outside with other children."

Moving Forward: Collaborative Solutions for Urban Resilience 

As Bangladesh contends with climate change, urbanization, and socio-economic disparities, the imperative for innovative housing solutions has intensified. The growing demand for land and shelter highlights the necessity to expand proven urban resilience initiatives. Such efforts are vital not only to sustain Bangladesh's strides in reducing urban poverty but also to ensure the long-term success of these models.

The transformative impact of our affordable housing initiative observed during the field mission demonstrates the urgent need to support the Government’s vision of sustainable urban development. The model showcased in our discussions has demonstrated clear success,  warranting an immediate nationwide expansion. To achieve the necessary focus it deserves, integrating affordable housing into the national urban policy is essential, ensuring alignment with broader urban dynamics such as livelihoods and public services. 

Amidst growing governmental optimism about scaling these models, strengthening collaborations across government sectors, with Bangladesh’s development partners, the private sector, and communities is critical.  This will ensure a future where everyone has access to safe, decent housing and the opportunity to live in dignity.  

UNDP is well-poised to leverage its two-decade-old urban resilience platform in Bangladesh by harnessing existing local and national networks.  

Continued support for the government in accelerating key national development priorities and advancing the SDGs is crucial. Let us commit to building a more equitable and sustainable Bangladesh—the potential benefits are immense and well within our reach. 

Moving Forward: Collaborative Solutions for Urban Resilience 

As Bangladesh contends with climate change, urbanization, and socio-economic disparities, the imperative for innovative housing solutions has intensified. The growing demand for land and shelter highlights the necessity to expand proven urban resilience initiatives. Such efforts are vital not only to sustain Bangladesh's strides in reducing urban poverty but also to ensure the long-term success of these models.

The transformative impact of our affordable housing initiative observed during the field mission demonstrates the urgent need to support the Government’s vision of sustainable urban development. The model showcased in our discussions has demonstrated clear success,  warranting an immediate nationwide expansion. To achieve the necessary focus it deserves, integrating affordable housing into the national urban policy is essential, ensuring alignment with broader urban dynamics such as livelihoods and public services. 

Amidst growing governmental optimism about scaling these models, strengthening collaborations across government sectors, with Bangladesh’s development partners, the private sector, and communities is critical. This will ensure a future where everyone has access to safe, decent housing and the opportunity to live in dignity.  

UNDP is well-poised to leverage its two-decade-old urban resilience platform in Bangladesh by harnessing existing local and national networks.  

Continued support for the government in accelerating key national development priorities and advancing the SDGs is crucial. Let us commit to building a more equitable and sustainable Bangladesh—the potential benefits are immense and well within our reach.