A very important report on irregularities in the construction work at our Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant published in a local English daily on April 17 deserves national awareness. As reported it appears that 'rot' has already started in this crucial and highly dangerous (in terms of radiation leakages) atomic power plant project work at Rooppur. According to the report, the beginning of the game of 'passing the buck on' has started. The civil construction work till date is below par. The reporter noted that the direction of opening the valve wheel for supply of critical fire fighting water is wrong as per local, British and US standards.
This is a huge mistake for people and fire fighters of Bangladesh. Although the Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) has asked the Russian executing authority "Atomstroyexport" to correct it, nothing has happened as yet. It was not reported, if they have acknowledged receipt of the complaint from BAEC.
Under the contract with the Russians, only companies approved by Atomstroyexport will be allowed to work in this project as reported by the Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Science & Technology. This writer feels that in our national interest, follow-up of the activities around this critically dangerous construction site should be maintained by newspapers. We must have experienced supervisors from UK, Europe, US or Japan appointed by us at this critical site. I am afraid, this could be the beginning of another future disaster that may be worse than Chernobyl Atomic Power plant disaster.
Engr. S. A. Mansoor, Dhaka.
sam@dhakacom.com
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