Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) is seeking approval for a Tk19.18-billion infrastructure-development project to carve out three sub-zones in the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai ready for industrial operations.
The Prime Minister's Office has sent the development project proposal (DPP) titled "Infrastructure Development at Sub-Zones 6, 11 and 12 in National Special Economic Zone Project" to the Planning Commission for approval, officials say.
The proposed scheme will cover 1,292.08 acres of land, where investors have already received industrial plots but have been unable to set up factories for the absence of essential infrastructures, including roads, electricity and gas facilities, according to the DPP.
The proposed investment comes as BEZA is already implementing five projects for the NSEZ with a combined estimated cost of Tk57.55 billion, raising concerns over project-execution capacity and resource utilisation.
Experts have called for prioritising completion of ongoing schemes and ensuring effective use of public funds before taking up new projects to maintain discipline in public investment.
Under the proposed project, BEZA will construct 35.26 kilometres of roads, 49.36 kilometres of drainage networks and 51.11 kilometres of footpaths, along with bridges, to improve connectivity within the economic zone.
The scheme also includes a 22-kilometre gas-distribution network with two District Regulating Stations (DRS), a 21.15-kilometre electricity network with three substations, and development of 1.13 million cubic metres of land for industrial use.
Besides utility infrastructure, two residential buildings and a complex area will be developed for officials and employees working in the zone.
The DPP says, "The project aims to create an investment-friendly environment by ensuring basic services needed for factory establishment."
The NSEZ, being developed close by the port city of Chattogram, is the country's largest economic zone. BEZA has already acquired or received allocation of around 17,000 acres of land for the zone, which has been divided into 30 sub-zones under a master plan.
The authority expects the development to accelerate industrial expansion and create employment opportunities in Mirsarai and Sitakunda of Chattogram and Sonagazi of Feni.
However, the new project is being proposed while several major NSEZ-related schemes remain under implementation.
These include Tk7.62 -billion water-treatment plant and deep tube-well project launched in July 2019, Tk2.74-billion road and drainage infrastructure project started in April 2020, and Tk41.40-billion NSEZ development project initiated in January 2021.
The continuation of multiple large-scale schemes highlights the infrastructure needs of the country's largest economic zone but also raises questions over coordination, implementation efficiency and timely completion.
Dr Mustafa K Mujeri, former director-general of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), says the government should prioritise completing ongoing projects and ensuring proper utilisation of existing investments before taking up new ones.
"Taking up a large number of projects at the same time creates pressure on public resources and reduces the expected economic benefits. Effective project selection, timely implementation and stronger monitoring are essential to maintain discipline in public investment," he adds.
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