The Challenge of Water in Illegal Slums

This audio slideshow from Financial Times looks at the severe shortage of clean water in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and what some activists are trying to do to provide clean water for the dwellers of the city's illegal slums.

1 minute read

December 27, 2008, 5:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Barney Jopson reports on how WaterAid is bringing clean and legal water to the illegal slums of Dhaka in Bangladesh."

Public officials refuse to provide water to dwellers of illegal slum developments, and private companies profit by selling overpriced water to residents. New efforts to provide better access to pumps is driving costs down for residents.

"WaterAid estimates that over 1bn people do not have access to safe water while over 2.5bn lack adequate sanitation – many of them in urban slums. The organisation helps communities set up and manage their own water and sanitation systems."

Read the full story: Legalising water in the slums of Bangladesh

Friday, December 19, 2008 in Financial Times

Environment Government / Politics South Asia Water Slums Bangladesh Dhaka View More

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

Start Learning

Advertise with us

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.