Bangladesh
Mega Projects Drones to be added to mega project monitoring
Dhaka, March 11: Drones will be used to monitor the timely implementation and completion of ongoing projects in the country. Also, a mega project will be inspected thrice a year. The Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department (IMED) of the Ministry of Planning will implement this directive from March this year. The number of ongoing and completed mega projects is eight.
The Implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation Department (IMED) of the Ministry of Planning has recently issued these instructions. According to IMED, the number of ongoing Fast Track (MEGA) projects is eight. These are - Padma Multipurpose Bridge Project, Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project (Metrorail), Padma Multipurpose Bridge Rail Link Project, Construction of Single Line Dual Gauge Truck to Cox's Bazar via Dohazari Ramu and Ramu-Myanmar to Ghumdhum, Rampal Coal Based Power Plant Construction Project, Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant Establishment Project, Matarbari 1200 MW Ultra Super Critical Coal Fired Power Project and Payra Deep Sea Port Construction Project.
According to IMED, as per the current Annual Performance Agreement (APA), each fast-track project inspection is to be completed in the third quarter. Monitoring reports will also be sent to the task force for monitoring and fast-track projects along with the ERD. Updated activities should be taken in this regard by continuing to communicate with the task force. Many ongoing projects have not been inspected as per norms. Two visits must be made in the remaining six months to achieve the target. More can be visited. If necessary, drones should be used to inspect mega projects.
According to IMED, the use of drones, the use of vehicles, and lab tests were discussed during the project inspection. Later it was decided to use drones and conduct lab tests for proper monitoring of the project. There is provision for lab tests, but IMED insists that it needs to be used properly. It is said to continue the process of organizing regular training for the improvement of skills and standards of officers/employees of IMED.
According to IMED instructions, a sector-wise roster should be created for the use of drones and vehicles for project inspection. All sectors should be given more importance as there is a need for the inspection of materials through lab tests for project requirements.
