Power generation to reach 7,000 MW this year: PM

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ASHUGANJ (Brahmanbaria), May 12 (UNB): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has boldly proclaimed that the country's total power generation will increase to 7,000 MW within the current year.
Inaugurating the 55-MW rental power plant at Sohagpur in Ashuganj Wednesday, she said that 615 MW of electricity under four agreements on an expedited rental basis will be added to the national grid within July to December.
Moreover, by this time, some 300 MW of power will be available under another four agreements on a rental basis, she added.
"We believe in work, not in talk. Within the last one year, we've been successful in adding 800 MW of electricity to the national grid and 1500 MW more will be added within the next 6/7 months," the Prime Minister said.
Local MP Advocate Ziaul Huq Mridha and PDB Chairman ASM Alamgir Kabir also spoke at the occasion.
She said that the government would take initiatives to increase the energy efficiency of old power stations.
In this connection she said that new equipment would be imported and installed in the power stations so that the power generation increased significantly with the existing supply of gas.
The Prime Minister also underscored the need for continuation of the sensitive development projects, including power projects, after changes of government.
She said that if the BNP-Jamaat alliance government continued the projects that were taken by the previous AL government for power generation the country would not be facing the present power crisis.
The Prime Minister directed the authorities of Ashuganj Power Station Company to start construction of one 150 MW plant and one 450 MW combined cycle power plants here and increase efficiency of the running units to increase power generation to 1500 MW.
She asked the authorities to construct another 50MW power plant at the same place by this year.
Regarding problems faced by the local people, the Prime Minister said she is informed about the health hazards here.
"An upazila health complex is needed to be set up here. I am giving orders to Health Ministry to take steps in this regard," she said adding that her government plans to upgrade all district hospitals to 250-bed units.
The Prime Minister also announced that Ashuganj, which was upgraded to Upazila from thana during the last Awami League government, will be upgraded to Pourasobha this time.
Later the Prime Minister formally inaugurated the power plant that cost Tk 3.0 billion (300 crore).