PDB under pressure to consider unselected firm for power project
If Intraco-CSS Power is allowed to build the plant, there could be accidents in the future
Special correspondent
The Power Division, which recently approved the technical reports for 10 fuel-based independent power plants, has allegedly instructed the Bangladesh
Power Development Board, popularly known as PDB, to consider two unselected companies for as many projects.
A PDB official said Intraco-CSS Power Consortium and United Enterprise had bid for the Jamalpur 100-MW project. The condition stipulated that the bidder should be experienced in generating at least 20MW of captive power. But CSS does not have that kind of experience.
The PDB official said that the company can produce only 5MW to 10MW of captive power. Yet, PDB officials are allegedly under pressure to visit the location for the fourth time to consider the firm.
Not only that, CSS Power Ltd was fined Tk. 42,330,382 in December 2010 for tampering with the meter and for gas theft. Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Co. Ltd had disconnected its gas connection.
The government official said that if the PDB allowed such a company to build the Jamalpur plant, there could be accidents in future. Another similar case is that of the consortium of Summit Corporation Ltd. Its Bid Security Bond was reportedly invalid. But the PDB is allegedly being pressurised to include it in the list. PDB chairman Khalid Mahmood told The Independent, We cannot go beyond the law. We will only consider what the law allows.
After accepting the technical reports, on the basis of which 31 bidders were shortlisted for the 10 fuel-based 100MW power plants, the PDB will open the bids for the financial offers next week.
