Waste treatment plant idle for only Tk 2 lakh

The conservancy unit of Patuakhali Pourasabha took up the project four years ago with financial help from Unicef (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund). Styled `Ecological Park', the plant was set up in Kaler Pukur Par area in the town in 2004 at a cost of Tk 6.33 lakh provided by Unicef. The recurring cost for running the plant was supposed to be met by selling the fertiliser.

Pourasabha launched the project with technical help from the Department of Public Health and Engineering (DPHE).

The Pourasabha engaged SDA (Social Development Agency), a local NGO for three years to operate the project. SDA started production in March last year amid some setbacks including lack of logistics, approach road to the project and boundary wall.

The plant, after limping for about six months, stopped operation as a drier equipment went out of order. The equipment costs about Tk two lakh, said officials of pourasabha conservancy unit.

When contacted Pourasabha Conservancy Supervisor Nazrul Islam said they have asked DPHE to sanction money to buy the equipment.

He said a DPHE technical team visited the project recently and said funds will be allocated.