Ashugonj power co in dire straits
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Our Correspondent
BRAHMANBARIA, Mar 24: Ashugonj Power Station Company Limited (APSCL) is in a dire straits due to years of corruption in the guise of overhauling and maintenance as well as poor management.
APSCL owns the second largest power station in the country and is an enterprise of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). In 1966 the then government decided to set up a power station in Ashugonj situated near Titas Gas fields on the bank of the River Meghna.
For this purpose about 311 acres of land one kilometre northeast of the Meghna Railway Bridge was acquired. In the same year, government established it with the financial assistance of the German government. The Government transformed it into a company in 2003, and appointed a managing director, two directors and other officials for smooth operation.
However, the steps brought no improvement, as APSCL's present production is lower than its expected production. Now APSCL is producing only 484 MW of electricity through its five units, whereas the production capacity of its eight units is 728 MW, APSCL's technical department sources said.
Power production has declined due to closing down of the three of the eight units of the APSCL on account of turbine fault. Production has reduced by about 150 MW. So, power outage has paralysed normal life, affecting daily activities of the people in the district.
Besides, short supply of power is causing tremendous losses to traders and factory owners, sources said. Production in mills and factories has declined and a number of industrial units are facing serious problem in this situation.
Sources said APSCL's performance is very poor for the negligence of the administration. The employees do not maintain any fixed work schedule and most of them spend their working hours leisurely.
Locals urged the government to take necessary steps to run the power station properly.
BRAHMANBARIA, Mar 24: Ashugonj Power Station Company Limited (APSCL) is in a dire straits due to years of corruption in the guise of overhauling and maintenance as well as poor management.
APSCL owns the second largest power station in the country and is an enterprise of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB). In 1966 the then government decided to set up a power station in Ashugonj situated near Titas Gas fields on the bank of the River Meghna.
For this purpose about 311 acres of land one kilometre northeast of the Meghna Railway Bridge was acquired. In the same year, government established it with the financial assistance of the German government. The Government transformed it into a company in 2003, and appointed a managing director, two directors and other officials for smooth operation.
However, the steps brought no improvement, as APSCL's present production is lower than its expected production. Now APSCL is producing only 484 MW of electricity through its five units, whereas the production capacity of its eight units is 728 MW, APSCL's technical department sources said.
Power production has declined due to closing down of the three of the eight units of the APSCL on account of turbine fault. Production has reduced by about 150 MW. So, power outage has paralysed normal life, affecting daily activities of the people in the district.
Besides, short supply of power is causing tremendous losses to traders and factory owners, sources said. Production in mills and factories has declined and a number of industrial units are facing serious problem in this situation.
Sources said APSCL's performance is very poor for the negligence of the administration. The employees do not maintain any fixed work schedule and most of them spend their working hours leisurely.
Locals urged the government to take necessary steps to run the power station properly.