Report on AUICK Associate Cities
Chittagong, Bangladesh

Reported by Mr. A.K.M. Rezaul Karim, City Planner, Department of Architecture and City Planning, Chittagong City Corporation, Bangladesh

Background

Chittagong is located 280 kilometers from Dhaka. It is situated among hilly terrain on the Karnaphuli River, facing the Bay of Bengal. The city has a long history of trade and port activities and today hosts around 40% of all heavy industry in Bangladesh.

Administration and Revenue

The governing body is the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC), headed by a Mayor who overseas administration and coordination through the Chief Executive Officer. Total expected revenue for the 2003-2004 fiscal periods is US $62,635,748, and planned expenditure is US $63,582,628.

Main Challenges Facing the City

Poverty Alleviation:
Chittagong is facing rapid urbanisation, high rural to urban migration, and horizontally expanding slum areas. The Urban Poverty Alleviation Project, sponsored by Bangladesh Government, UNDP/UNCHS and CCC, is aimed at improving living conditions among slum dwellers in the city. The spatial limitations of the city mean that low-cost high-rise apartment buildings are the most feasible way to accommodate the large number of poor, and the city needs to formulate planning guidelines for this immediately. Many NGOs are also working to alleviate poverty in Chittagong.

Reproductive Health Services:
The Ministry of Health and Family Planning, under the Government of Bangladesh, is responsible for family planning, supplying health care needs and HIV/AIDS prevention for villagers. HIV/AIDS is not a severe problem at this time, but preventative measures are already being undertaken by the government and several NGOs.

Education:
In slums, many parents see education as unnecessary and prefer their children to earn money. The Government’s “Free Education Program”, “Food for Education” program and local NGO programs are trying to encourage parents to send children, especially female children, to school.

Water and Sanitation:
Presently tap water is supplied to only 44% of citizens; the target for 2010 is supply for 84%. The city also lacks sanitation and drainage facilities, particularly in the unplanned slum areas.

Environment:
The main environmental challenges for Chittagong include; air pollution, caused by old vehicles and two stroke engines; unplanned growth; no sewerage system; unplanned waste disposal; and water logging, particularly in the low lying and high density areas during the monsoon period.

Role and Relationship with AUICK

AUICK has previously trained 8 senior officials from Chittagong City Corporation. Chittagong is proud to be included in the AAC network and hopes that this relationship will ensure mutual cooperation between AUICK and AACs, on achieving environmentally friendly and sustainable development. The Chittagong City Corporation has appointed Mr. A.K.M Rezaul Karim, City Planner and Head of the Department of Engineering, as the Liaison Officer for AUICK.

Other Information

In the future, C.C.C plans to build an artificial water reservoir to ensure an adequate supply of drinking water. This may also be used to generate electricity. A suspension bridge is also planned for the Karnaphuli River to replace existing bridges that are causing a build-up of silt in the river.