PM for high-rise bldgs free from earthquake risk

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Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday asked the builders and developers to evolve such designs in constructing multi-storied buildings that can withstand the risk of earthquake and ensure all civic amenities, report agencies.
She said all housing projects should have to be equipped with sufficient roads, water bodies, play grounds and parks while rivers, cannels, ponds, lakes and water reservoirs should not be filled up for maintaining environmental balance.
"You have to construct multi-storied buildings in which sun light can enter and fresh air can pass through the rooms as it will reduce pressure on power," she told the REHAB members while inaugurating REHAB Vision Fair-2010 at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC).
Real Estate & Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) organised the fair at Dhaka International Trade Fair Ground for its business promotion. A total of 365 companies are participating in the five-day fair. Lauding the role of REHAB in solving housing problems of a large number of people, she said" you, the developers should not do anything while developing land for which people have to shed their tears".
Mentioning Bangladesh as a flood-prone country, the Prime Minister advised the developers to develop land for housing projects keeping the provision so that the floodwaters could flush through canals and water bodies. "You must be aware of protecting arable lands to ensure food security while developing lands for housing projects," she said and called upon them to initiate their projects in a planned way. In this context, she said unplanned urbanisation and construction of multi-storied buildings haphazardly have made it difficult for the city people to live in a healthy environment.
Hasina said the housing companies should make plan keeping the provision of smooth sewerage system, parking facilities, gas supply along with considering environmental issues." You must keep at least one playground for the children and set up fire extinguisher inside your projects", she told the REHAB members.