Rush to get projects approved
Ecnec has met twice last month which is a record unto itself, to approve some 58 projects worth Tk 64,042 crore in the run-up to the general elections. We see this flurry of activity during election year and our only concern is whether the money is being well spent. Any construction work done in a hurry, as past experience has shown, inevitably opens up the possibility of shoddy workmanship. While some of the projects are obviously long-term in nature, like the setting up of new dual gauge rail lines from Bogura to Sirajganj, we would like to know why authorities have suddenly woken up from their slumber to work on footpaths, drains and roads in Gazipur. Surely, the need for good metalled roads, proper drainage and roads was there before too. The same scenario can be seen in the capital city too.
Why is it that policymakers always go for fast-track approval of dozens of projects just before elections? Yes, we understand the logic of making would-be candidates look good, but the bigger question is whether the decision-making apex body Ecnec gets enough time to see whether public money is efficiently used. Are we doing proper feasibility studies on the projects proposed (and in this case approved) before approving them? These are valid questions and whilst policymakers may not necessarily agree with us, the fact remains that thousands of crores of Taka have been sanctioned to carry out public works, all in the name of development. Sadly, that catchphrase is fast running out of sheen given our poor track record of delivering on quality public works. Populism should not take precedence over pragmatism.
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