The government will set up a fast-track centre to provide residential and commercial electricity connections within 40 days of submitting application, state minister for power and mineral resources Nasrul Hamid said Thursday.
"I have heard that electricity connection-seekers generally face problems, and have to wait for several months to get it. To resolve this problem, we will open a fast-track centre."
Mr Hamid said this while addressing as the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony of the five-daylong REHAB Fair 2014 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.
Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) member (development and control) Md Helal Uddin was present as the special guest in the programme.
Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) acting president Mokarram Hossain Khan chaired the inaugural ceremony, where, among others, its vice president and chairman of fair standing committee Maj Gen (retd) Abdur Rashid were also present.
The fair remains open from 2pm to 9pm on the inaugural day, from 11am to 9.30pm on March 21, from 1pm to 9.30pm on March 22, and from 11am to 9pm on March 23 and 24.
There are 155 stalls in the fair. Its single entry fee is Tk 50, and multiple entry fee is Tk 100.
Regarding the recent power price hike, the state minister said: "Urban people generally consume a large quantity of power. The new power price adjustment for the urban people was necessary for ensuring the country's sustainable development."
Regarding gas connection, he said the ministry is working to resolve the ongoing gas crunch. Gas connections are being provided where gas pipelines are already set up. Besides, two compression stations will be set up at Ashugonj and Elenga by April to overcome the situation.
He urged local realtors to abide by the rules and regulations concerned in doing their business, which will help build their image.
Criticizing Rajuk, Mr Hamid urged the regulator to inspect before construction of buildings, and not after construction.
Md Helal Uddin said Rajuk has divided the city's 1,528 square kilometer area into eight zones, and manpower of the organisation has been increased to 1,980.
"We have employed 200 inspectors to facilitate approval of building plans. Besides, 10 magistrates are involved to look after if anyone is constructing buildings violating the rule," he also said.
REHAB general secretary Md Wahiduzzaman urged the government to keep the provision of investing undisclosed money in housing sector in the upcoming budget.
"The banks should provide loan at single-digit interest rate to ease flat purchase procedure," he said.
