Pirganj in Darkness Despite 2,300 Solar Lights

Azadul Islam Azad, Pirganj, Rangpur Upazila Correspondent

“Darkness under the lights” has become a reality in Pirganj Upazila of Rangpur. It has been alleged that most of the large number of solar home systems and street lights installed under the TR and KABITA programs are now out of service. Even though these lights were installed with government funds, the locals are not getting the desired light.

According to the Upazila Project Implementation Office, a total of 1,381 solar home systems and 924 street lights were installed in Pirganj Upazila from the fiscal year 2016-17 to the fiscal year 2019-20 under the TR, Kabita, Rural Infrastructure Renovation and Maintenance Program. These were installed in houses, educational institutions, roads and market areas of public importance in different areas of the upazila for the convenience of the public.

Locals complain that many of these lights installed in public places break down within a few months of installation. Some lights are repaired once or twice, but later become inoperable again. Due to lack of maintenance and repair for a long time, most of the solar lights in different areas of the upazila are no longer working. As a result, darkness is falling on various roads, markets, and important places after dusk.

Concerned groups have alleged that the lack of adequate lighting is increasing the risk of various crimes, including drug theft and robbery, in the area. They have demanded that measures be taken to repair and restore the damaged lights as soon as possible. According to relevant sources, the installation of these solar lights was completed by an organization named ‘Nava Company’. There have also been allegations that the solar lights were installed using low-quality materials.

The question of the locals is, who is responsible for maintaining these solar lights installed at government expense after they break down? Why are no effective initiatives being taken to restore the lights that have been lying idle for years? They demand that the damaged solar home systems and street lights in the upazila be identified immediately and necessary renovation and repair initiatives be taken. If the lights installed with government funds do not provide light, then it is not a benefit of development but a real example of “darkness under the lights”.

Pirganj Upazila Project Implementation Officer Abdul Aziz said, “We have inquired about the solar lights in the upazila. The lights themselves are currently in a defunct state. Allocation is needed for their renovation and repair. Once the allocation is received, necessary measures will be taken to repair the damaged lights in phases and make them operati