Govt solar project lies unused for 8 years in Sunamganj

A solar power project installed at a cost of Tk1.47 crore at the Shantiganj Upazila Parishad administrative building in Sunamganj has remained out of operation for nearly eight years, raising concerns over the waste of public money.

The project, installed in 2013 under the Climate Change Trust through the Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board, was designed to reduce electricity costs, ensure uninterrupted power supply and promote renewable energy.

The system had 100 solar panels with a combined capacity of 30 kilowatts, along with batteries, an IPS and other equipment. It initially supplied electricity to several government offices, including the Upazila Nirbahi Officer’s office, Assistant Commissioner (Land)’s office, Agriculture Office, Fisheries Office, Cooperative Office, Project Implementation Office and Public Health Engineering Office.

However, the system began developing faults within two to three years of installation and eventually became completely inoperative. It has reportedly remained unused for around eight years, with no major repair or rehabilitation undertaken.

Locals alleged that prolonged neglect caused the solar panels, batteries, IPS, inverters and other equipment to deteriorate, rendering the Tk1.47 crore investment largely ineffective.

“Spending such a large amount of public money without ensuring proper maintenance has resulted in this situation. Had the system been maintained properly, government officials and service seekers could still benefit from it,” said local resident Akash Ahmed.

Experts said solar power systems require regular maintenance, including performance checks of batteries, inverters and other components, as well as prompt repairs when faults are detected. 

Prolonged shutdowns can further damage equipment and reduce the effectiveness of the investment.
Shantiganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer Hillol Chakma said discussions had been held with local engineers to assess the condition of the system.

“An estimate will be prepared to determine what is required to restore the system and how much it will cost. If the repair cost is manageable and funds are available from the upazila budget, we will take steps to restore it. If the cost is high, we will seek a separate allocation from the ministry,” he said.