DPDC appoints consultant for power project

Dhaka Electricity Distribution Company (DPDC) on Wednesday signed an agreement with a consultant firm for a project for supplying uninterrupted electricity in the Dhaka city, reports BSS.

The DPDC signed the deal with a consultant firm - Hifab Oy of Finland and Bangladesh Engineers and Consultants Bangladesh Limited (ECBL) a joint venture company at Mukti Hall, Bidyut Bhaban.

Witnessing the signing ceremony as the chief guest, State Minister for Power Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid directed officials concerned to complete the Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network project in time.

"The project will help ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in the capital. Once the project is implemented then scenario of Dhaka city will be changed," he said.

Nasrul said the project financed by Chinese government will be implemented under Government to Government method considering it a very important project.

He also directed two managing directors of power distribution companies in Dhaka city for holding talks with the authorities concerned of internet and dish line within the next month.

"As soon as possible all hanging cables attached with power lines will be removed," the state minister said adding that substations will be erected to make it secured alongside to give the look neat and clean.

Managing Director of DPDC Engineer Bikash Dewan said the initiative was taken to strengthen Dhaka's power distribution system with the help of China.

The appointment of consultant was very important for implementation of the project-Expansion and Strengthening of Power System Network under DPDC area," he said.

According to the project details, Chinese contactor- Tebian Electric Apparatus-will implement the project at a cost of Tk 204.68 billion (20,468 crore), of which Bangladesh government will give Tk 74.41 billion (7,441 crore), DPDC will give Tk 12.49 billion (1,249 crore), while China will provide Tk 117.77 billion (11,777 crore).

DPDC secretary Asaduzzaman and regional director of Hifab Nathalie Tranfeld signed the contract on behalf of their respective sides.

Board chairman of DPDC Mohammad Shafiqullah, ECBL's Managing Director Kazi Kamal Uddin Akram and Regional Director of Hifab Nathalie Tranfeld also spoke on the occasion.