Migration of slum dwellers an obstacle

They also called for adopting a 'bottom-up' strategy, instead of 'top-down' strategy, to achieve sanitation for all by 2010.

Eviction and migration of slum dwellers in Dhaka is a major obstacle to implementing the nationwide sanitation programme, they pointed out.

They also called on the government to rehabilitate the slum dwellers in Khas lands in the city.

Dushtha Shasthya Kendra (DSK), Plan Bangladesh and SPS Danida jointly organised the workshop at the IDB Bhaban in the city to share experiences regarding sanitation at the grassroots level.

The workshop was also aimed at formulating an action plan on sanitation coverage with the participation of local representatives, said the organisers.

Mohabbat Ali, project coordinator of DSK, suggested adopting a comprehensive approach to develop a community development forum (CDF) comprising local people, representatives and community leaders.

"An well organised CDF can play a significant role in changing the traditional system of hygiene promotion and achieving behavioural change at the grassroots level," he said.

Speaking as the special guest, Shahidur Rahman, chief slum development officer of Dhaka City Corporation, expressed concern over the poor condition of sanitation in different slums.

He said accountability is a must for speedy implementation of development projects.

Prof Dr Mujibur Rahman, director of International Training Network (ITN), BUET, was present as the chief guest.

Installing sanitary latrines at every home is not enough to achieve the target of sanitation, he said while talking to The Daily Star.

At the same time, healthcare for all should be ensured and child mortality rate should be reduced, he added.

Dr Dibalok Singh, executive director of DSK, and Alok Mojumdar, programme officer of SPS Danida, also spoke at the workshop.

The speakers pointed out the eviction and migration of people in the slum area of Dhaka remains as a major constraint to implement the nationwide sanitation programme.