Assessing the Real-Life Socio-Economic Scenario of Established Slums in Dhaka: The Cases of Korail and Sattola

Abstract

The research aims to assess the current situation of three primary socio-economic indicators, namely education, health and water availability at the two most established slums of Bangladesh’s capital Dhaka – Korail and Sattola. Surveys, using cluster and then random sampling to target households, and analysis, found that both slums' children's education level was moderate with 52% - 68% and 20% - 28% availing primary and secondary education, respectively; several NGOs had helped to establish brick-and-mortar latrines and disseminate necessary and effective awareness about sanitation; and surveyed slum dwellers were economically strong, with 68% - 70% of the interviewed households' income levels being 10,000 – 15,000 BDT (USD 118 – 178) per month. A comparative analysis with national level statistics also yielded that the conditions in these slums are truly better than previously thought. Primary recommendation includes in-depth monitoring to understand why such large numbers live in slums, even though they can afford better.