German support to improve urban planning facilities  

A German supported ongoing project aims to boost significantly the urban planning capabilities, which is seen vital especially for developing a long term plan for the Dhaka metropolis.

"Dhaka is one of the fastest growing cities in the world. A sophisticated and long-term urban planning that relies on reliable data is essential to manage the inflow of people into Bangladesh's metropolis", German Ambassador Dr. Thomas Prinz said on Thursday while visiting the Geological Survey of Bangladesh (GSB) in the capital city. He also visited the geotechnical drillings in the city's Aftabnagger.

GSB, which conducts systematic geological mapping and geo-scientific activities throughout the country, is implementing a joint project with the German Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. The major aim of the project is to gather, increase and improve the available geological data that is necessary for urban planning in Bangladesh.

Launched in 2013, the joint German-Bangladeshi project –Geo -Information for Urban Planning - will be completed in 2016. So far, the geo-scientific sub-ground conditions of the country have been analyzed in order to improve the capacity of GSB and urban planners.

The team is working on an "Infrastructure suitability Map" of greater Dhaka that will facilitate the work of urban planners and help manage the great challenge to transform the capital into a more sustainable, accessible and livable city.

"I am particularly happy that the GSB is partnering up with experts from Germany in this promising project", Ambassador Prinz said.

He said more and more people are moving to cities searching for job opportunities or adjusting to the impacts of climate change in rural Bangladesh.

Against this backdrop, strengthening the resilience of local government bodies and fostering its capabilities to cope with a changing environment due to climate change would remain a priority for German Development Cooperation, the ambassador said.