Solar assoc accuses govt body of corruption

The Solar Association of Bangladesh (SAB) yesterday alleged malpractices to the extent of 90 per cent in the implementation of solar power projects conducted under the test relief (TR) and food-for-work programmes. The government conducts both programmes as part of its maintenance of rural infrastructure. The allegation was made by Dulal Kumar Biswas, a member of SAB and owner of DK Corporation, at a press conference in the Jatiyo Press Club.
According to a directive issued by the ministry of disaster management and relief on April 3, this solar power project is being implemented across the country through the Infrastructure Development Co. Ltd (IDCOL) and its partner organisations. IDCOL’s main partner organisations are non-government organisations (NGOs). Half of the allocated resources of solar power projects are spent through the NGOs.
The projects include solar home systems, solar mini, micro, and nano grids, solar irrigation pumps, biogas plants, and improved and clean cooking stoves.
During the press conference, Biswas said in 2014, the IDCOL had fixed the price of a 50-watt peak solar system at Tk. 19,500. It has now gone up to Tk. 28,700.
Interestingly, the prices of solar systems in the local and international markets are showing a downward trend. Biswas alleged that IDCOL officials have a hand in keeping the prices high despite lower prices in the international market.

Solar assoc accuses govt body of corruption

The Solar Association of Bangladesh (SAB) yesterday alleged malpractices to the extent of 90 per cent in the implementation of solar power projects conducted under the test relief (TR) and food-for-work programmes. The government conducts both programmes as part of its maintenance of rural infrastructure. The allegation was made by Dulal Kumar Biswas, a member of SAB and owner of DK Corporation, at a press conference in the Jatiyo Press Club. According to a directive issued by the ministry of disaster management and relief on April 3, this solar power project is being implemented across the country through the Infrastructure Development Co. Ltd (IDCOL) and its partner organisations. IDCOLs main partner organisations are non-government organisations (NGOs). Half of the allocated resources of solar power projects are spent through the NGOs. The projects include solar home systems, solar mini, micro, and nano grids, solar irrigation pumps, biogas plants, and improved and clean cooking stoves. During the press conference, Biswas said in 2014, the IDCOL had fixed the price of a 50-watt peak solar system at Tk. 19,500. It has now gone up to Tk. 28,700. Interestingly, the prices of solar systems in the local and international markets are showing a downward trend. Biswas alleged that IDCOL officials have a hand in keeping the prices high despite lower prices in the international market.