User Initiated Extension Activity In Bangladesh
Building Slums Or Area Improvement
Overview
This paper presents the findings of research into the house extensions or alterations undertaken by the occupants of a government ‘core-housing’ estate in Dhaka. It shows that these extensions or alterations did not ‘help to create slums’, even though government officials often assume they will do so - and have policies which are meant to stop such changes. In fact, these changes brought more rooms as well as more room per person, increased house size and improved service levels and physical conditions. They also increased the value of the housing and helped contribute to an increased supply of cheap and relatively good quality rental accommodation. The paper ends with some recommendations on the need for changes in official attitudes and more ‘enabling’ government regulations on such house extensions.
