Solar power projects in the remote village of Charghat, Rajshahi, have failed to deliver as promised. Despite a three-year maintenance agreement, the contractor, Saif Powertech and SDRS, failed to maintain the solar lamps, rendering them non-functional within a year. This project, implemented in 2019-20, cost Tk 5.51 crore and included the installation of 644 solar system panel lampposts.
However, the lights installed at mosques, temples, educational institutions, roads, markets, and other public places are mostly non-functional. Residents complain about the lack of safety due to the darkness. The project’s inefficiency has raised concerns about corruption and misuse of funds. While a list of non-functional solar lights has been submitted to higher authorities, there has been no significant action taken. Residents express frustration over the project’s failure, especially since most of the solar lights are installed near influential people’s homes, leaving ordinary citizens in the dark. The contractor has failed to uphold the project’s quality, resulting in a waste of millions of Taka.
