The New Nation - Internet Edition

The newly created Dhaka Power Distribution Company (DPDC) took over the entire operation right from DESA from the first day of the new fiscal year. Before the creation of DESA, the power development board reportedly suffered a system loss of 45 percent. With the aim of bringing down the system loss substantially, DESA was established on October 1991. This autonomous body had been entrusted with the tasks of supplying electricity directly to Dhaka City Corporation area, Tongi, Narayanganj and neighouring areas. DESA had no power generation plants but it used to draw 55 percent of the country's total generation.

DESA during its 18 years of life failed to fulfil the tasks assigned to it. The system loss under DESA remained the highest among the power sector bodies. It has now been evaluated as an 'ailing organisation' due to inefficiency and corruption. DESA had created a huge liability of not less than Tk 8,000 crore. In the backdrop of utter failure of DSEA the government took the decision to replace it with DPDC.

Such replacement of an inefficient body had been much overdue. But mere replacement will not solve the problem of inefficiency and irregalarity. It must represent a qualitative leap in the policies and implementation thereof. The root causes of operational failure of DESA must be detected and eradicated to aviod repetition of the same. Necessary measures must be taken to ensure efficient customer service. Strict and intensive monitoring of the functions of the newly formed body must be introduced.

DPDC should be empowered to generate electricity using, among others, the solid wastes produced by the city. It is hoped that DPDC would shake off the legacy of corruption and inefficiency and would be able to render better services to the people.

Ariful Huq

Dhaka