Bangla Press Desk: Once a century-old dark Monpura Island, separated from the mainland of Bhola Sadar, is set to be connected to the national power grid through a submarine cable, bringing round-the-clock electricity to around one lakh residents.
“The government is considering two technical routes to connect Monpura with a round-the-clock power supply — one through a submarine cable from Tazumuddin Upazila to Char Kolatoli, and another directly under the riverbed from Char Fasson,” said Additional Secretary of the Power Division Nur Mohammad.
He made the announcement following a visit to Monpura on 10 October.
Additional Secretary of Renewable Energy KM Ali Reza, who also visited Monpura as a member of the delegation, said they are planning to bring Monpura under a renewable energy system to ensure that the inhabitants of the island do not remain in darkness even during power cuts caused by natural disasters.
The delegation held a view-exchange meeting with local political leaders, civil society members, and journalists at the Monpura Upazila Council Auditorium, with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Fazle Rabbi in the chair.
The people living on the island now get electricity for only three hours each the day and night. With Monpura’s connection to the national power grid, the residents will have access to electricity around the clock.
The connection of Monpura to the national grid will usher in a new era for the islanders.
It was learnt that 500 kilowatts of electricity are currently being produced per day from two private solar panels located at Ramnawaz Bazar and Bangla Bazar under Monpura Upazila. A total of 1,199 residents of the upazila have received power connections and pay Tk35 per unit.
Once Monpura is connected to the national power grid, the price per unit of electricity will come down to Tk6 or 7, enabling people to enjoy uninterrupted power at an affordable rate.
Monpura is an upazila comprising four unions situated on the shore of the Bay of Bengal and the River Meghna, covering an estimated area of 373.19 square kilometers and inhabited by 89,889 people.
It is located about 80 kilometers away from the mainland of the Bhola district. Most of the people in Monpura depend on fishing and agriculture for their livelihoods.
Monpura has now emerged as a tourist hub for its sea beach, offering a tranquil escape with a serene landscape and stunning views of the Bay of Bengal. It is a destination that draws a record number of tourists for its mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views.
Deputy Commissioner of Bhola district Md Azad Jahan said that the current interim government has taken multiple effective measures to transform Monpura Island into a tourist hub.
“If the projects are implemented, Monpura will be a safe haven for the tourists,” he said.
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