Payra port could become economic blight, says Wahiduddin

NN Online:

Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud expressed concerns on Sunday that the Payra Sea Port in Patuakhali could become a “blight” on the country’s economy.

He made these remarks after attending a meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) at the NEC conference room in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

During the ECNEC meeting, a revised project proposal for the first terminal and associated facilities of the Payra port was approved. The cost of the project has been increased to Tk 5,228 crore, reflecting a significant rise in expenses for the port’s development.

He said, “Despite being called a seaport, its primary function is to bring coal for a power plant. It cannot even be considered a river port, let alone a seaport.”

Referencing comments from the trade adviser, who suggested the port might be referred to as a “wharf” due to its limited navigability, he said, “The project will require annual dredging, leading to significant expenses.”

He added that coal could be brought by plane instead of using the port. While acknowledging the project’s flaws, he mentioned that considerable work and money had already been invested, so it must be completed.

The planning adviser revealed that the government had recently approved an amendment to the public procurement law. The change removes the 10 per cent bid proposal limit, which he said would prevent a monopoly of contractors.

He also emphasised that the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation division (IMED) would be strengthened, and that all projects will now be available online, with bids required to be fully integrated into the e-GP system.