Ongoing power transmission projects hit snag for corona shutdown
Field-level work on ongoing power transmission projects remained suspended since the coronavirus outbreak in China, hitting hard the power sector development.
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Bangladesh: Field-level work on 25 ongoing power transmission projects remained suspended since the coronavirus outbreak in China, hitting hard the power sector development.
A top official at the Power Grid Company of Bangladesh (PGCB) said many Chinese companies are working as subcontractors as well in Bangladesh’s power transmission sector.
Although coronavirus situation in China has improved, Chinese officials and workers, especially the technicians, are not coming back as the situation in Bangladesh is deteriorating. As a result, the field-level works on the transmission projects had to be suspended, according to the official.
The projects include the construction of Rahanpur to Monakasha Border 400 kV transmission line in Chapainawabganj to import power from India to Bangladesh, the construction of 500 MW HVDC back-to-back station for the transfer of power from India to Bangladesh.
Other projects include the replacement of Ashuganj old 132 kV AIS substation by new 132 kV GIS substation and the construction of Bakerganj-Barguna 132 kV transmission line and Barguna 132 / 33 kV substation.
Some of the projects were undertaken as priority ones aiming to facilitate power transmission from some major power plants which include Aminbazar-Maowa-Mongla 400 kV transmission line project, construction of Patuakhali – Gopalganj 400 kV transmission line and Gopalganj 400 kV grid substation, Amnura 132 / 33 kV grid substation with associated 132 kV transmission line.
Golam Kibria, Managing Director of PGCB, recognised the grim situation in project implementation saying, “We are trying our best to take forward the implementation process. But it will be difficult to resume work at field level until the situation improves.”
Source: UNB