HealthBridge Final Report Promoting Environment Friendly Livable Cities in Bangladesh Work for a Better Bangladesh Trust April 2014-March 2015
Background WBB Trust has been working on issues of urban transport planning since 2004, and since 2006 directly on Livable Cities, with the technical and financial support of HealthBridge. The health of the Bangladeshi population is greatly affected by the state of its cities. The government is very focused on ensuring the city to be supportive of cars rather than Pedestrians. Evidence of this can be found, looking at the state of the non-motorized transportation (NMT) environment and at the budgets allocated to NMT. Public transportation, including national Rail is poorly coordinated and there is a serious lack of rail routes in Dhaka and in the country. Parks and public spaces are poorly managed and under constant threat of encroachment and privatization. Water bodies are being polluted by industry and by human negligence. Hearing impairment is the second commonest form of disability in Bangladesh and is causing economic, social, educational, and vocational problems. Children are the worst affected section of the community in this regard and high volume horns, uncontrolled honking in the city are adding woes to the situation. Low-income countries, like Bangladesh, are facing important challenges as a result of increasing urbanization and has been passing through a transition from communicable to noncommunicable diseases.. The way our communities are built impacts cases of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), injury, air pollution, climate change, our ability to be gainfully employed, and our ability to interact and build relationships with our neighbours. As Bangladesh tries to tackle these major problems, ensuring cities are livable, which creates supportive environments for healthy behaviors, is critically important. Vision: In all cities of Bangladesh Children can play in the street and walk to school safely Everyone can walk to a local park to visit with the neighbors and enjoy nature Everyone can walk to stores and services Everyone can cross the street easily and safely Cycling is common for recreation and for transportation When people need to leave their neighborhood, they can take public transit Everyone has access to clean drinking water Water is treated as a precious resource Lakes, rivers, parks and streets are free of pollution People hear children laughing not cars honking People breathe clean air People have access to healthy foods
Ultimate Outcomes: Executive Summary Decreased morbidity and mortality due to injury, chronic diseases and communicable diseases. Decreased emissions of air pollutants leading to poor air quality and climate change. WBB has successfully achieved some of its key objectives during the April 2014-March 2015 reporting year. Key priority areas were: Walkability (general and active and safe routes to school), Public Space Integrated Transportation System, and Network Development. Key outcomes achieved were: 1. Walkability (general and active and safe routes to school), Created strong community support to make Safe Routes for walking in 34 No, Ward, Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Created strong community engagement for keeping the 34 No Ward clean Increased capacity of architects to work on vendor management issue. Increased capacity of the organizations working to ensure pedestrian rights for the people with disabilities. After view exchange meeting jointly organized by WBB Trust and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on walking environment in Dhaka they declared they would provide licenses for vendors. Roads and Highways Department organized a National Capacity Building Workshop on Sustainable and Inclusive Transport Development and brought 5 Mayors from different divisional cities. The mayors committed to improving environment for walking and cycling. WBB Trust and others stakeholders were present there and we gave our opinion at the workshop and presentations to the organizer. DNCC has agreed to put waste bins from Sankar to Rayerbazar (low income community). DSCC has declared to make Satmasjid Road pedestrian-friendly through quality footpath and others components. 2. Public Space Increased knowledge about public space among civil society and media. National River Conservation Commission committed to work jointly with WBB and others civil society organizations to save water bodies. Head of Department, Maruf Hossain participated in a conference organized by Bangladesh Institute of Planners (BIP). He was team leader of the group working on public space and was the speaker of the group working on transportation.
3. Integrated Transportation System Increased WBB s knowledge about Integrated Transport system and increased organizational capacity to work on it. 4. Others Increased number of organizations working on livable cities issues. Department of Environment (DoE) prepared a roadmap to reduce transport related emission trough suggestions from WBB Trust and others stakeholders. Candidates backed by both ruling and non-ruling party asked WBB for suggestions to prepare their election manifestos, which helped us to influence the candidates to promote livable cities issues.
Table 1: Network development Completed Activities Reach - numbers Reach % Result/Immediate Outcome Impact/Intermediate Out comes Variance 18 face to face meetings with network members each month (met same person several times) # 216 NGOs (most of the existing members among them) 36% (approximately 600 organizations could do LC Work) 100 organizations are working on livable cities issues. (most of the existing members among them) Increased the capacity of the network to organize livable cities campaigns. Padatik-work for walking rights organized a leaflet campaign to encourage walking in Mohammad area. Shalikha District Association organized a human chain to demand Joshohor- Magura-Dhaka rail line Architects working on vendor management issues began meeting Shamaj Unnoyon Proshikkhon Kendra organized an awareness program to make Livable Cities in Jamalpur. Started a friendship bike ride with Mastul volunteers on Fridays Bangladesh Institute of Planners organized
Conference on Dhaka for Future Generation: Our Actions. Orunodoyer Torun Dol did wall painting against honking. Right Now Volunteers is a youth group which is playing active role in social media on LC issue. Tongi- Sadarghat Rail line Bastabayan Committee arranged a leaflet campaign and human chain on 14 th December on demand of circular rail in Dhaka City. No. 34 ward cleaning campaign is being organized weekly by local community. Four campaigns have been already organized and is a continuous program. Save the Environment Movement (POBA) organized a seminar on pedestrian friendly transportation system. Save the Environment 14 th December is Intellectual Day. So nearly 1 million people viewed the activity.
III Edition of the LC newsletter focused on integrated transportation systems, ASRTS, and public space. Distributed 9000 copies 1200 NGOs, 700 Govt. Officers, 64 Libraries, 50 institutions, teacher, students, individuals 100% (broader group of NGOs not just those could do LC work) Increased awareness of ongoing activities related to LC among 1200 NGOs, 700 govt. Officers and others. Movement (POBA) organized a walk-athon on pedestrian issue. Save the Environment Movement (POBA) organized 3 campaigns for implementing law to reduce usage of polythenes. Rail Labour Union sent letter to related agency to recruit new people. Developed a leaflet on walking issue. Distributed 2000 copies Developed a leaflet on rail issue 1 NGO Created demand to improve walking environment in Mohammadpur area 1 NGO Created demand to build Joshohor- Magura-Dhaka rail line in Shalikha subdistrict
Distributed 3000 sticker and 500 poster on vendor issue 1 Vendor association among vendors It is related to pedestrian issue Residential Training - Camp Cool, was organized. 38 participant 9 youth-based organization s capacity was built to raise advocates working on livable cities issues. Organized 2 awareness campaigns and demonstrations. Developed leaflets for each campaign. Camp Cool team is advocating for a zebra crossing in front of University at Mirpur road.
Table 2: Advocacy and awareness related activities: Completed Activities (What did you do and how much of it did you do?) Reach - numbers (How many people were directly reached?) Reach percentage (What percentage of the target audience does this represent?) Result/ Immediate Outcome (What has changed as a result of this activity or combination of activities?) Impact/ Intermediate Outcomes (Is anyone better off from having done these activities? How do you know?) Variance (is this activity, result, or impact different from what you projected? If so, how?) 1 View exchange meeting organized by BAPA 2, POBA 3, BIP 4 and WBB on improving public transport to reduce cars on World Car Free Day -1 Presentation -2 Press Release 30 representatives from NGOs, 10 Journalists, 50 Representatives from Universities, CSO s and Institutions. Improving Public Transportation System And Car Control 1 5% NGOs representatives 2% journalists Better understanding about National Integrated Multimodal Transport Policy -2013 and its implementation for improving public bus and reducing cars. Increased the number of supporters for car control. 10 media coverage of the view exchange meeting. Dhaka Metropolitan Police took initiative to remove illegal car parking in 2 areas of Dhaka. (Learnt through media) 1 Not part of our planned work but community asked us to raise this issue. 2 BangladeshPoribeshAndolon(BAPA) 3 PoribeshBachaoAndolon(POBA) 4 BangladeshInstituteofPlanners(B.I.P)
1 View Exchange meeting on Public Bus organized by POBA and WBB -1 Presentation -2 press release 2 view exchange meetings on Car Free Cities organized by WBB and BIP. - 2 presentations - 3 press release 14 NGOs 22 Journalists 6 NGO 5 Journalists 3 Universities 1 Political Party 1 Government Official 2% NGOs 4% journalists 1% NGOs 1% Journalists Increased knowledge about existing bus service in Dhaka among participants. Increased knowledge about designing car free city among participants. 1 letter sent to relevant ministry and agencies to inform about the view exchange meeting. 1 demonstration organized demanding improving public bus service to discourage private cars on the event of World Car Free Day -Distributed 1000 copies of leaflet - 2 press releases 1 Radio program - World Car Free Day Conducted research on public bus service 8 stakeholders. 6 NGOs each event 4000000 listeners 1% NGO representatives Estimated 3% of Bangladesh population Increased knowledge among guardians of the children. among general public about issues. Increased WBB s understanding on people s perception about bus service, facilities and
problems. 6 face to face meetings Met government officials and bus owners. Collected latest report on urban transportation issue.
17 Orientation sessions among students in 3 schools about Active and Safe Route to School -1 presentations -3 press releases Conducted hands-up, observation and perception survey in 2 Schools. Observed Rayerbazar area 25 face to face meeting with Government, Non- Governmental and officials of international organizations about ASRTS program. Walkability 1000 Students among students about importance of walking and safety. 1000 Students (Hands-up) 400 students (Perception) 60% students Increased understanding about travel mode, travel distance to school among teachers, parents and students about walking environment Increased understanding about the condition of transportation in Rayerbazar area Government officials, community leaders, teachers, parents, school managing committee and political leaders supported us to implement ASRTS Increased capacity of community members to demand safe routes to school. Community people organized a rally to demand safe routes to school. Students organized a letter campaign on demand of safe routes to school.
2 trainings -2 presentations -1 press release 1 Meeting with people with disabilities 1 view exchange meeting about the necessity to ensure public toilet for pedestrian especially for women and people with disability. - 2 press release - 1 Article - Prepared report and sent to related agencies (10 stakeholders) 5 Meeting on walker and hawker issue -5 presentations -4 sites visited 30 participants from MASTUL (online-based voluntary organization. 20 participants from Right Now Volunteers 10 NGOs 15 journalists 3 Universities 2 Organizations 0.33% NGOs 1.67% Journalists 3% program. Increased capacity of the participants to observe the pedestrian environment. Observed 5 areas to know the walking situation and prepared report Developed relations between organizations working among people with disabilities among people about the necessity of public toilet especially for women and disable people. Formed a group to work on vendor management Increased infrastructure improvements: Repaired footpath in 23 areas. 11 areas received (new footpath) Sitting arrangement in 4 areas.
1 view exchange meeting on walkers and hawkers : issues and proposals - 2 press release - 2 presentations 2 Radio Program on Pedestrian issues including public toilet 13 letters sent to relevant agencies working on transport issue directly and indirectly about pedestrian infrastructure and importance of cycle. Sent pedestrian alert regularly (pedestrian death news by road accident) Observed walking environment in 26 places and sent reports Developed a design for vendor management. 15 NGOs NGOs 2.5% Increased understanding of vendor management. 400,0000 listeners 18 stakeholders per letter 6 government agencies WBB and Right Now Volunteers WBB and urban and Regional Planning Estimated 3% of Bangladesh population 100% (Policy makers, bureaucrats and CSOs representative) among general public about issues. among policy makers and government officials about pedestrian infrastructure and importance of cycle. Relevant authorities are more sensitized about pedestrian/vehicle collisions. Increased knowledge about ways to prevent collisions. Raised awareness among government officials about the condition of local footpaths and road crossings. CEO of Dhaka South City Corporation committed to take initiatives and adopt a plan to ensure quality public toilet. Dhaka South City Corporation has declared Sat Masjid Road as pedestrian friendly and asked plans for it. WBB, URP dept. BUET and city corporation is jointly working on it.
Department of BUET Submitted proposal to TTT 5 for NMT Improvement Project to be implemented along the BRT corridor in Dhaka 1 letter sent on reduce tax on bicycles 18 stakeholders per letter 100% (Policy makers, bureaucrats and CSOs) Rickshaw and Bicycle WBB was short listed for the project among policy makers, government officials and CSOs Did not succeed in the final round Not in original proposal 5 TrainingandTechnologyTransfer(TTT)
1 View exchange meeting organized by POBA and WBB -1 paper -1 press releases Measured noise level in 5 places in Dhaka and sent the result to relevant agencies to take action to reduce sound pollution 1 Radio Program on - Reduce Noise 12 NGOs 18 journalists 6 government agencies 400,0000 listeners 2% NGOs 3% journalists 33% Estimated 3% of Bangladesh population Noise Created awareness among general population to reduce noise pollution. Raised awareness among general public about issues.
1 view exchange meeting on the necessity of Tongi-Mirpur- Gabtoli-Rayerbazar- Sadarghat rail line -1 presentation -1 paper (Review on Annual Development Program) -1 press release Integrated Transportation System and Rail 18 Participants Formed a group to work from Rayerbazar on demand Tongicommunity Mirpur-Gabtoli- (Political leaders, Rayerbazar-Sadarghat CSOs rail line Government has approved the new line and they are recruiting consultants and preparing budget for Dhaka-Tongi 3 rd and 4 th rail line. 3 Observation survey and desktop study on Integrated Transportation System -1 Presentation Organized 1 demonstration on responsibilities of passengers and to keep train clean -2000 Leaflet -2 press release 15 NGOs 5 journalists 2% NGOs 1% Journalists Increased understanding about Integrated transportation System Raised awareness among citizens and created pressure on policy makers 3 human chains on demand of Dhaka-Tongi 3 rd and 4 th rail line. -3 reports prepared and 3 NGOs 20 Journalists 0.5% NGOs 4% Journalists of importance of rail among participants and general public.
sent to related agencies/ authorities. 12 letters sent to the relevant agencies/authorities on increasing budget for rail, take initiative to reduce train accidents, make train clean and to ensure propoer management of the railway land, anddemand of Dhaka- Tongi 3 rd and 4 th rail line, responsibilities of passengers and to keep train clean, demanding Joshohor-Dhaka-Magura raillne 25 face to face meeting with Rail Minister, Secretary of Railway Ministry, Director General of Bangladesh Railway, Directors other officials of Bangladesh Railway to implement Dhaka-Tongi 3 rd and 4 th rail line, ensure quality service for passenger, improving the schedule of train and about 14 stakeholders per letter On average 5 officials on each meeting. #100% Raised awareness among policy makers and NGOs, on related issues. Raised awareness among stakeholders about issues.
Integrated Transportation System. 20 face to face meetings regarding Integrated Transportation System. 1 Radio Program on 400,0000 Railway development listeners issues Estimated 3% of Bangladesh population Raised awareness among stakeholders about integrating all the modes of transportation. Raised awareness among general public about issues.
1 View exchange meeting on positive initiatives by the Government to save water bodies in Bangladesh -1 presentation -1 press release 1 Round table meeting on wetland management. - 1 presentation - 2 press release - Report sent to related agencies 14 NGOs 7 journalists 6 govt. officials 26 journalists 25 NGOs 2% NGOs. 1% of journalists 5.2% Journalists 4% NGOs Water about the initiatives to save water bodies by the Government and community among participants. among participants about importance of protecting wetlands. Government took decision to develop web portal on rivers and canals where people can complain direct. National River Conservation Commission committed to implement Wetland Master Plan. 1 walks for water right - 2000 leaflets - 2 press release - Report sent to related agencies 30 Journalists 20 NGOs Journalists 6% NGOs 3% among people about the necessity to ensure pure water for everyone. Attended the 1 st meeting of National River Conservation Commission to save rivers including Buriganga river NRCC adopted suggestions from us including creating a database for rivers and canals and developing mobile apps which will support the collection of information from citizen
from all corner of the country. Attended 5 mobile courts to remove illegal structure from river bank around Dhaka. Conducted research on positive initiative of save water bodies in Bangladesh -7 sites visited in different regions of Bangladesh 5 letters sent to relevant agencies to inform government officials about illegal encroachment of water bodies. 16 stakeholders per letter 1 Radio Program 400,0000 listeners 14 face to face meeting with Deputy Commissioner, Thana Nirbahi Officer, City Corporation Officials 100% (Policy makers, bureaucrats and CSOs representative relevant in this sector) Estimated 3% of Bangladesh population Removed illegal structures from river banks. Increased WBB s awareness on positive initiative of save water bodies in Bangladesh Government conducted mobile courts to remove illegal structures. Raised awareness among general public about issues. Increased knowledge of WBB s staff about the government initiatives of save water bodies.
And NGO Officials. among GO and NGO officials to save water bodies.
1 Press Conference to save Dhanmondi 8 No. playground (support to BAPA) 4 Demonstration programs to save Dhanmondi 8 No. playground 4 cleaning campaigns A A 4*1000 leaflets 1 community (Lowincome community) engaged A 5 schools engaged 3 letters sent to related agencies/ authorities on park and cleaning campaign. 15 NGOs 20 journalists each event Urban Structure (Park, Open Space) 2% NGOs 4% journalists among local people about ways to save the playground 50 NGOs 8% NGOs Engaged community people to save the playground 10 NGOs 10 journalists NGOs 1.6% Journalists 2% among community people about keeping their premises clean. 10 stakeholders City Corporation has verbally committed to set up dustbins in the community to keep the surroundings clean.
Celebrated World Environment Day 2013 -Attended rally -Attended 7 days exhibition -Displayed model on ecocity and WBB s publications and materials -Distributed WBB s books and materials Supported Roads and Highways Department to organize workshop on transport issue Attended national dialogue on Roadmap to reduce transport related pollution 20 TV reports and gave speech on LC issues from WBB Organized March to save all rivers of Bangladesh as a co-organizer 400 NGOs 100 CSOs 5 City Mayors, 30 GO Officials, 3 NGO Officials, 5 Donors, 20 Journalists, 12 CSO Representatives Others 67% NGOs about general issues of WBB among participants such as representatives from GO, NGO, CSO, Media, Institutes etc among Roads and Highways Department about the importance of rail, walking and cycling. Increased knowledge of ways to make livable cities among participants. among participants about roadmap to reduce transport related pollution Raised awareness among general public about issues 36 NGOs 6% NGOs Created awareness among government officials and mass people They adopted some of our suggestions in roadmap document such as giving priority to pedestrian and cyclist
Organized a demonstration as a coorganizer to create awareness on- manage waste of Korbani Eid to make city clean and healthy Organized a human chain to shift tannery industry from Hazaribag to Savar 5 Radio Programs on various events- World Environment Day, Safe Food, Role Of Youth To Save Environment, Protect Ozone Layer and Manage Waste Of Korbani Eid. Maruf Hossain attended Walk21 conference in Sydney Maruf Hossain met with Environment Minister of Australia Maruf Hossain met with Mohinder Sing, Advisor, Land Transport Authority, Singapore 16 NGOs 9 Journalists 25 NGOs 22 Journalists 20000,000 listeners 3% NGOs 2% Journalists 4% NGOs 4% Journalists Estimated 15% of Bangladesh population through media among people about waste management of Korbani Eid. among people about the importance of shifting tannery from Hazaribag to Savar Raised awareness among general public about issues. Increased confidence and met many experts who work on walking and place making issues Minister committed to come Bangladesh to give lecture if we invite him in future Developed relation between Land Transport Authority, Singapore and WBB Trust The shifting procedure of the tannery is under process. Expanded our international network Media published that news in Canberra and Dhaka He agreed to provide training on transport issue and give reference if we want to manage
Syed Mahabubul Alam attended the meeting on role of RAJUK (Capital Development Authority) organized by POBA Syed Mahbubl Alam Attended the workshop on updating the strategic plan for surveillance and prevention of Non Communicable Disease Control in Bangladesh Saifuddin Ahmed attended the regional consultation on multisectoral policies for containing noncommunicable diseases in the South-East Asia Region, Bengaluru, India Highlighted to emphasize on planning and monitoring instead of real estate business and flyover projects from RAJUK Highlighted the importance of walking and cycling to reduce the risk of NCDs Shared his experience to prevent NCDs with WBB s staffs fund DGHealth adopted a strategy to increase physical activity through walking and cycling Participated in a fair named Matir Mela that focused on sustainable living. WBB trust had a stall there promoting NMT.
Professional Development: Team members of the livable cities program have increased capacity in communication, research and proposal writing. Also recognized some of them are as expert on LC issue both at national and international level. Maruf Hossain attended the Walk21 conference in Sydney and that help to increase his knowledge and capacity as well as expose our position in front of international audience. Also he was team leader of a research based paper on public spaces and open spaces initiated by B.I.P and CDC 6. He selected for NMT project by ADB as a NMT coordinator. Ziaur Rahman, Project Officer, went to India as a FK Norway fellow for a year and increased his capacity on research and natural resource management. Syed Saiful Alam Shovan, Media Advocacy Officer, selected as member of National Committee of Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) Md. Atiqur Rahman, Assistant Project Officer, gave a presentation on non-communicable diseases at a Divisional Workshop. He was also present as a facilitator at Camp Cool workshop. He was key note speaker on press conference about rail issue. Md. Atiqur Rahman has written a book as a co author on Railway Workshops. He wrote LC 4 year proposals for Health Bridge. Samiul Hassan Shajib, Assistant Project Officer, wrote paper and present at the seminar on public space and transport issue and increased his capacity on research especially on walkability. Increased Samiul s organizing capacity of the event. e.g. He was successful facilitator of camp cool. Lessons Learned Our work focuses at national level but it takes time to change any policy at national level. It is very difficult to show the result from our activities. Community engagement could be used as a strategy to bring change. Dhaka South City Corporation was repairing the footpaths of Satmasjid Road but it was a delayed project. The footpaths needed some elements like ramps, pedestrian lights, sitting arrangements, public toilets etc. Then we prepared a report on the problems of the footpaths Satmasjid Road with possible solutions and sent a letter along with the report. But it did not bring any result. Later we met with Chief executive Officer of DSCC and he suggested giving a concrete proposal through arranging a program. Then we arranged a view exchange meeting and gave a concrete solutions to make Satmasjid Road pedestrian friendly with all necessary elements including ramps, pedestrian lights, sitting arrangements, public toilets along with proper vendor management. DSCC appreciated our proposal and committed to work on the issue and provide license to the vendors. Later Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) also decided to provide license to the vendors. Our consistent advocacy regarding pedestrian issue has led us to the success and this is an important lesson. In order to be successful, we must be consistent and continually monitoring the situation. 6 Centre for Development Communication
We have been organizing cleaning campaign in the Rayerbazar community in a regular basis. We understood that to attain sustainability we need to set up dustbins in the area. Then we communicated with DNCC and they asked for proposal. We conducted a survey and gave a proposal to DNCC with mapping of where it is necessary to set up a dustbin. DNCC has accepted the proposal and the procedure is under process. The lesson here is that it is possible to make changes but approaching the right authorities. Sustainability We have successfully engaged the community people (Rayerbazar area) about the importance of ASRTS program. They are willingly helping us to make safe route to school. Rayerbazar community people have also adopted the cleaning program. At present they are conducting cleaning program on their own and increasing awareness among people. Urban planners and architects are willingly working with us in our vendor management program and they have expressed their cordial interest to continue the program and make it a success. Recommendations Our program is functioning well and we are meeting our objectives. We will continue to work on existing issues. We have got commitment from both City Corporations for vendor licensing. We will continue working for proper implementation. DSCC has declared to make Satmasjid Road pedestrian-friendly. Now we will monitor the implementation process and also provide proper recommendations regarding the issue. We will work to make Boishakhi Playground as an ideal playground. We need to work for some infrastructure development (public toilets, sitting arrangements, dustbins etc) on it. DNCC has approved our proposal of setting up dustbins in the Rayerbazar area. We need to continue our work for it unless the dustbins have been set up.