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Electricity is one of the
prime movers of economic activity along with many other core sectors. The
consumption of electric energy is also an indicator of economic development
of a country. The agrarian and industrialization phases of the economic
development are more energy intensive than the developed and service
oriented economy. By their nature, the economies of South Asian Countries
are more energy intensive. At the same time, the per capita consumption of
energy of electricity is very low for the South Asian countries.
As inevitable fallout of the globalization process and intense competition,
countries are perforce looking for higher productivity and optimum
utilization of their resources. In this backdrop, increasing power crisis
has constrained the economic growth of Bangladesh. To achieve the
Government’s target of GDP growth rate 7% by 2007, power development is
required to be accelerated significantly, says Engr. M.A.K. Azad in an
interview with EP.
Following is the excerpts of the interview:
EP: How do you evaluate the present power crisis situation?
Azad: In Bangladesh power sector there has always been a problem. Adequate
investment has not yet taken place in this sector. No government paid
adequate attention to solve the problems of this vital sector. Present
scenario is the result of misshandling the sector from the very beginning.
EP: There are various opinions on present power demand in the country.
According to the PDB, the demand is 3,900 MW. It is also says that the
demand in March will stand at 4,050 MW. But the statistics of the
distribution companies suggest the demand as 4,700 MW. You are an
experienced person in the sector. What is your opinion about difference of
opinions on the demand figure?
Azad: The Ministry of Power has actual information about all installation in
power sector. Statistics provided by the ministry are supposed to be
correct. Regarding future demand these are merely forecasts. Forecasts are
based on assumptions, which may vary from one organisation to another.
EP: You were engaged in generation area of the PDB for a long time. Do you
think that the PDB can run the units more skillfully with the present
situation of the plants?
Azad: Yes, management improvement is a never-ending process. Best
utilization of the facilities is possible by improving management.
EP: Would you please elaborate?
Azad: Proper planning of maintenance, mobilization of resources, efficiently
and implementing effective preventive maintenance will improve plant
availability.
EP: It is widely alleged that the government has miserably failed in raising
electricity generation and proper management of the sector. How do you
evaluate the reasons of the failures?
Azad: Power sector is facing problem from the very inception. No government
paid adequate attention to this factor. Many factors contribute in promoting
a healthy environment for investment. Political stability, consensus and
efficient public administration are essential to improve generation through
investment.
EP: We found that the present government brought only 80 MW Tongi plant into
generation in last four years. But the government claims that the rise in
generation during the period was 950 MW. What is the reality?
Azad: I do not have detail statistics on power sector at my hand. Obviously
Power Division can provide actual realistic information.
EP: How do you look into the previous crisis periods?
Azad: Power Sector planning has to be long-term based. Any short-term
measure will not solve its problems permanently. Unfortunately a precise
long-term plan does not exist. Power sector has been a subject of negligence
at all times. Firefighting will not strengthen the sector.
EP: Why we could not raise the generation to 6,500 MW as per the Power
Sector Master Plan?
Azad: Most of the existing plants are old. Many are not able to generate
full capacity. Investment is necessary to improve generation. Besides
transmission and distribution also needs investment. Moreover, procurement
and installation of power sector projects need long time. Absence of
long-term plan is a problem for the entire power sector.
EP: State Minister for Power claims that the present government succeeded in
developing the overall management and revenue increase. What is your
opinion?
Azad: Effort to reduce system loss is going on for last many years. Over the
time there are some improvement in reducing systems loss.
EP: What is your opinion about the bid for small power plants and skid
mounted power plants?
Azad: Any effort to comfort human life is appreciable. Power being most
vital improvement of services will contribute to national economy.
EP: Do you think that the sector lacked skilled and efficient manpower?
Azad: Skilled manpower is always a problem in Bangladesh. Definitely power
sector has shortage of committed and skilled manpower.
EP: What is your suggestion to come out of the present crisis?
Azad: My suggestions are:
Consensus should be established at national level on Power Sector Reform
Policy
Reform measures should be implemented on priority basis
Environment should be created for investment
Manpower should be developed to manage power sector
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