Limping power sector
A front page report on the subject, published on June 14, in a local
English daily could have been more forceful rather than consolatory on the failure of the CTG. One wonders why?
The fact remains that since this CTG took the reins of power; power supplies have declined, while the frequency and duration of power outage has gone up, despite their determination to ensure improvement to start with! Possibly the claim of increased generation by 600MW is only a claim; as the continuously increasing power outage proves! Trying to install rental power plants in 120 days from receiving the government's permission is simply impossible if the plant is not in Bangladesh when the permission is issued! Even if the plant is air freighted to Bangladesh--a 180 day period may just be do-able, given all support and help from all concerned.
The pragmatic steps needed for the work are as follows. First getting the permission from the government for a proposal (considered day zero). Next is getting PDB and ERC's clearances. Then follows CCIE's import-cum-export permit. Next comes agreement with the supplier and arranging the necessary financing. Now it is possible to open letter of credit. From receipt of a valid LC by the proposed plant supplier, followed by dismantling, packing and sending it to a seaport for export. Then there is the sea time needed by the ship depending on its route, to reach Chittagong or Mongla, as the case may be. Next is unloading, customs formalities followed by inland transport to site and unloading. Hopefully during this time the site is obtained, fenced, proper access and infrastructure readied, gas piping and metering station or alternatively oil storage and handling facilities and PDB's interconnection set up are all installed and ready. Next follows the installation, commissioning and trial run of the rental plant. Can these working steps which are realistic, be done within 120 days, ignoring our normal bureaucratic delays at every step? It is only possible in dreams and imagination, for which we have rich capabilities!
Over and above we have the looming shadow of gas shortage; so there is no option but to go for liquid fuelled plants and the high cost of imported liquid fuel which is bound to go up any time.
Given this situation, why is the CTG not taking any positive steps to set up coal fired power plants, and accelerate with at least one open-pit coal mine? It seems that the CTG is only limping on, and is determined not to do anything about it!
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments