BSCIC estate in Narsingdi: Businesses displeased with inadequate facilities

Industrial estates under the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) aim to facilitate cottage, micro, small and medium businesses by providing them a safe place to operate along with all the required services.

However, investors are losing interest in initiating new projects at the BSCIC area in Narsingdi as it suffers from poor drainage and waste management systems, inadequate roads, lack of security and gas connections, load-shedding and insufficient firefighting measures.

Established in 1986 on 15.39 acres of land in the district's Kararchar area, the estate lacks even a bordering fence to prevent break-ins while the already dilapidated roads become submerged when it rains due to poor drainage.

During a visit to several establishments in the industrial area, this correspondent found that four units were bereft of any firefighting equipment while three had carbon dioxide cylinders, but the employees had no idea how to use them.

Besides, thanks to the development of industries amid the absence of waste treatment facilities and apathy of authorities concerned, the Haridoa river has lost its appeal as the waterway is now being choked by pollution, locals say.

Not only is the river appalling to look at, the reeking water is nowhere near suitable for household or agricultural use, let alone for drinking.

BSCIC authorities say they have started several combined development projects to solve these problems in addition to a number of ongoing initiatives, which will solve 80 per cent of the issues once complete.

But seeing as the industrial estate has been facing these problems for so long, many entrepreneurs have shifted their businesses away from the area.

Sharif Ahmed, an employee of Raptex Towel Industries, said the unit is unable to operate at full capacity as power outages occur at least three times daily on average.

The BSCIC allotted 95 plots at the estate to 35 businesses, of which five are loan defaulters, four are in poor-health and two have stopped their activities.

So, only 24 units are actually still operating from the BSCIC area, sources said.

Space at BSCIC estates is leased by industries for a period of at least 99 years with most production units taking up three to four plots, which is why it seems as though there may be vacancies.

Towels, textiles, medicine, baby food and lacquer are produced at the BSCIC area in Narsingdi, which employs about 6,000 people at its various factories.

Some 80 per cent of the towels and textiles produced by the 24 existing units are exported to 10 countries in Europe, including Italy, Spain and England.

"But we are facing various difficulties for the lack of security, poor drainage system and other issues," said Kamal Hossain, deputy director of Ravidian Textial BD Limited.

Hossain then said that entrepreneurs like him invested in the BSCIC industrial estate in hopes of having access to more modern facilities that available elsewhere.

"But the reality is different. Still, the business environment will improve a lot if the authorities add security, waste manage facilities, and reconstruct the roads and drainage system," he added.

Echoing the same, Sobroto Saha, deputy director of Loup Industry, said they require stable electricity supply and gas connections at new units.

"New industries are demanding gas connections, but the authorities are yet to pay heed," Saha added.

Harunur Rahsid, general secretary of the BSCIC Industry Owners Association, said the allegations of poor infrastructure are true.

Due to the lack of a fence, both farm and wild animals and even passers-by can easily enter the BSCIC area and create a chaotic situation.

Besides, the plot allotment is smaller than what is being demanded as it is tough to ensure a modern facility in limited space.

In addition, the authorities need to install a warehouse, effluent treatment plants (ETPs), and sufficient car parking space.

Mamun-or-Rashid, assistant general manager of the BSCIC's Narsingdi office, said energy and gas connections are being maintained by the Palli Biddut Samity and Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited.

"So, we can just make requests as we do not have power to ensure connections at the industrial area," he added.

Rashid went on to say that development projects are ongoing for reconstructing the drainage system and other required infrastructure.

"Completion of the projects will ensure a business atmosphere that will attract investors," he said.

In response to a query, Rashid said ETPs need to be installed by the respective factories that need it. However, this correspondent did find any ETP at the BSCIC industrial area.

Aminul Islam, project director of the BSCIC industrial estate being constructed on 30 acres of land in Shibpur upazila of Narsingdi, said the new facility will consist of 168 plots that will be available for 150 factories.

Tahmina Akter, zoology teacher of Narsingdi Imperial College, said people like her are not against developing industries with proper waste management systems as they do not pollute the water.

Remembering her childhood, she said they would take baths and caught different types of fish in Haridoa river.

"But almost all the fishes and other animals in the area have died due to toxic chemical exposure. Also, we are suffering different diseases due to the pollution," Akter added.

Sheikh Md Nazmul Huda, deputy director of the Department of Environment (DoE) in Narsingdi, said 112 of the 127 industries located in the district maintain a good environmental performance index.

"We encourage 'green growth', sustainable action on critical environments, galvanize public support and ensure sustainable environmental governance for achieving quality of life for the benefit of future generations," he added.