Study on changes of open spaces in selected goverment housing projects in Dhaka in terms of size, use, acess and facilities

Abstract

Open space provides an array of social, health, economic and environmental benefits to individuals and the community as a whole.Open space is an essential ingredient for enhancing the livability of an area and improving the quality of life of its residents. Since 1959, the government has developed about 18 housing projects under the Site and Service Scheme in Dhaka. As a basic element of the neighborhood, open spaces were part of these housings. Planning documents of different cities follow specific standards for open spaces.There is no planning standard of open spaces for government housingprojects though prevailed private land development rules in Dhaka. The stock of open space is found to be declining in Dhaka during the last 20 yearsby unplanned construction and encroachment. Many parks and playgrounds have already been grabbed by governmental and non-governmental organizations. This research is aimed to study the size and type of open spaces in the approved master plan and their present condition in the selected government housing projects. Also, it finds out their changes in term of size, use, access and availability of facilities and identifies the factors responsible for changes of selected open spaces. Parks and playgrounds of three government housing projects among 18 are selected for this research. Selected projects are i)Housing Estate at Mohammadpur, ii)Uttara Model Town (sector one to four) and iii) Khilgaon rehabilitation project. Secondary data is collected from government housing provider and maintenance authorities of the study areas and literature review. Primary data is collected with direct observation using an observation checklist, Focus Group Discussion with users of open spaces and Key Informant Interview with representatives of concerned authorities and inhabitants of housing. In the approved master plan, neighbourhood areas were well served by the number, size and type of open spaces. Number of open spaces as well as area of open spaces were reduced and some parks were converted into playgrounds over the time. The present physical, environmental and maintenance condition of playgrounds are not so suitable for play. Lack of grass, uneven ground, noise, dust, lack of proper cleaning of playground and toilet, lack of lighting at night are problems in using active and passively of playgrounds. Parks were designed and suitable for use though there are some maintenance problems and restriction for user were imposed by scheduling of time. In most cases, losses in number and reduction in size of open spaces are found due to full and partial encroachment by workshop, shops, rickshaw garage, club house , school for disabilities, Urban Primary Health Care Project building, water pump etc. Playgrounds are used for active and passively recreation and parks are used for passive recreation. The uses of playgrounds are interrupted by encroached buildings.Proximity and lack of alternative open space are the two vital reasons for using these playgrounds and parks though some problems are there.Though buffer area of accessibility in study areas covered all areas of Housing Estate at Mohammadpur and Uttara Model Town but actual physical distance is quite high in reality. There are other prevailing factors that obstruct the use of outdoorplay and recreation facilities are location, layout type, maintenance of open spaces etc. Lack of security, poor maintenance and inadequate facilities and playaccessories are the main reasons for fewer uses in these playgrounds and parks. Conversion and encroachment have occurred with the involvement of the maintenance authorities and influence of local leaders. Lack of proper management, maintenance, accountability and transparency of maintenance authorities are responsible for changes in number, size, use, access and lack of facilities of playgrounds and parks. The amount of open space per person is reducing inversely with population growth in Dhaka City. So, it is very necessary to protect playgrounds and parks in Dhaka. To protect the existing playground and parks in housing areas, the list and the open space mapping should be publicly available and impose an immediate embargo. Encroached open spaces should be revived and more facilitated with play and recreational facilities to attract more users; safety, security and cleanliness should be ensured. User participation planning and management are necessary for proper management and maintenance of playgrounds and parks in government housing areas. Also necessary to provide policy support to priorities play and recreation.