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

During a recent visit to an affordable housing and livelihoods program implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the UK's Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) for the Government of Bangladesh, we encountered inspiring stories of women and youth entrepreneurs overcoming challenges to create jobs and drive socio-economic growth. Their successes highlight the importance of collaborating with marginalized communities and empowering them to voice their needs for lasting change. Key initiatives included supporting girls' education, establishing green businesses for women's independence, and developing locally led climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard against the impacts of the climate crisis.

We also witnessed the profound impact of adequate housing, a fundamental human right that shapes broader health and well-being opportunities. This topic is particularly compelling as it represents a sustainable, self-sustained model that can transform communities. In this blog, we aim to explore how secure housing not only provides shelter but also enhances overall quality of life, enabling individuals and families to thrive.

In Bangladesh, housing conditions for the growing urban poor are extremely challenging, characterized by unsanitary, poorly serviced, and densely populated environments. 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 solutions across five cities, reaching over 800 families. This approach has proven successful, and immediate action is needed for a nationwide scale-up.

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, alongside a trend of smaller households, 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, with Dhaka's slum population increasing by 20% from 2010 to 2020, even as housing prices rose by 150%. Today, 1.73 million people still live in slums, highlighting the urgent need for effective housing solutions.

The Importance of Affordable Housing

Affordable housing is vital for survival, especially for low-income urban citizens. Those living in affordable housing experience numerous benefits, including safety from natural disasters, access to basic services, and secure homes for their families. Stable housing paves the way for improved health, education, and economic opportunities, making it a crucial investment in the future of Bangladesh's generations.

UNDP's Response through the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project:

To address the challenges faced by vulnerable communities, UNDP Bangladesh has partnered with the Government of Bangladesh on the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project. Together, we are developing low-cost, sustainable, and climate-resilient housing in five cities: Chandpur, Khustia, Gopalganj, Rangpur, and Noakhali. These cities were chosen for their vulnerability to climate threats and their growth as secondary urban centers, aligning with UNDP's goal to promote development beyond major cities like Dhaka and mitigate rural-to-urban migration. This pioneering initiative represents the Government's first publicly financed social housing project, allowing UNDP to work closely with local stakeholders to create housing solutions that address the needs of marginalized urban populations, including low-income sanitation workers and other groups facing significant societal challenges.

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."

This initiative is part of a broader UNDP-led effort to enhance the resilience of vulnerable urban populations against the harsh realities of climate change, which disproportionately affects the poor. The Das family secured a 99-year lease, providing them not just a permanent home but also a safeguard against the cycles of poverty exacerbated by natural disasters. The housing complexes are designed to withstand environmental challenges like heat stress, flooding, and public health risks associated with poor drainage and sanitation. This approach aims to support vulnerable families in secondary cities across Bangladesh, curbing migration to already overcrowded urban centers.

This project marks the first publicly financed housing initiative by the Government of Bangladesh, implemented in collaboration with UNDP through the Livelihoods Improvement of Urban Poor Communities Project. It is coordinated with local authorities and supported by the FCDO. This initiative represents a vital step in a larger effort to assist over 800 households in smaller cities throughout Bangladesh, exemplifying the impact of inclusive development policies that aim to transform lives and ensure that no one is left behind.

Key elements in building affordable housing include:

Building affordable housing requires essential elements like secure land tenure through 99-year leases, access to safe water, and community-led maintenance. These features support local lifestyles, such as chicken and livestock keeping, and utilize resilient materials to minimize climate-related damage. Together, these strategies create sustainable, adaptable environments that empower communities and enhance their quality of life.

Recent government initiatives highlight a growing commitment to affordable housing, with various ongoing projects showcasing effective, scalable solutions tailored to urban residents' needs. Additionally, public-private partnerships (PPPs) present a promising opportunity to leverage resources while prioritizing affordability and quality. By capitalizing on these avenues, stakeholders can drive significant progress in the affordable housing sector.

Moving Forward: Collaborative Solutions

Addressing the affordable housing crisis in Bangladesh demands a multifaceted approach. We must integrate affordable housing into national urban policy to ensure it receives the focus it deserves and recognize its interconnectedness with broader urban dynamics like livelihoods and public services. As Bangladesh faces the challenges of climate change, urbanization, and economic disparities, the urgency for innovative housing solutions is greater than ever. By uniting government, developers, NGOs, and communities, we can create a future where everyone has access to safe, decent housing. The journey ahead may be challenging, but the rewards are immense. Together, let's build a more equitable and sustainable Bangladesh.