The government is distributing solar systems among 12,170 families living at char villages in Gangachara upazila under Rangpur district.
Project Director of the ‘Renewable Energy Development in Remote off Grid Char Areas in Bangladesh’ project Dr Md Monarul Islam revealed at a workshop held at Officer’s Club auditorium in Gangachara upazila on Thursday afternoon, reports BSS.
“Of them, 3,232 solar home systems of 65 watt, each capable for running three lights and one fan, have been distributed among 3,232 families in the upazila under the two-year term project that was launched in June last year,” he said.
The present government is implementing the project spending Taka 324.2 million in Gangachara upazila since June 2018 and the rest of 8,948 families out of total 12,170 will be provided with solar home systems by July, 2020.
“The project aims at reaching renewable energy to rural communities deprived of electricity facilities to improve their living standard by cutting poverty and creating self-employment opportunities in remote areas of Bangladesh,” Islam said.
Gangachara Upazila Nirbahi Officer Taslima Begum presided over the workshop on “Progress, implementation and work plan of the project” being implemented by PDBF under the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives.
Managing Director of PDBF Madan Mohan Saha addressed the workshop as the chief guest while Project Director Dr Md Monarul Islam and Deputy Project Director Mrs Juliet Ara attended as special guests.
Chairmen and members of all nine unions of Gangachara upazila and upazila-level government officials were also present, among others.
Madan Mohan said the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken up the project to transform every village into a town as per the election manifesto.
“Renewable solar power coverage in char areas will significantly contribute to improve living standard of the people through different generating activities,” he added.