PPA proposes Tk 4.9b staff accommodation project

The Payra Port Authority (PPA) wants to excavate ponds and build water reservoirs by filling up a deep land adjacent to the port area to facilitate accommodation for its employees by spending a massive Tk 458.56 million, officials said.

It has proposed excavating two ponds and a couple of water reservoirs at a cost of Tk 152 million, while Tk 306.56 million would be spent on filling up the deep land in the infrastructure development project area.

Although the port has become a burden for the government, the PPA also wants to construct a guest house and a recreation club for its employees at a cost of Tk 195.60 million.

It recently sought approval for the Tk 4.90 billion project, under which three residential buildings and at least six non-residential ones would be constructed near the port area in Patuakhali's Kalapara upazila.

The PPA also proposed purchasing five luxury cars and jeeps, as well as four motorbikes, for its officials to monitor the project by spending Tk 27.455 million.

It sought Tk 15 million as the cost of fuel needed to operate the vehicles.

Besides, it allocated Tk 2.0 million to entertain the secretaries and officials concerned for project approval and monitoring.

As part of the project, the PPA will construct superstores and mini-markets, playground, children's park, boundary walls, gates, gatehouses, approach roads, etc.

It allocated a significant amount of Tk 82.664 million for a "lump sum fund" for the project's auxiliary works.

In addition, it would spend some funds on consultancy and supervision of the employees' residential facilities.

A senior PPA official said they had proposed the project to ensure better residential facilities for the employees in the port area.

The proposal is being scrutinised, a senior Planning Commission official said.

"Since Bangladesh's economy is under pressure, we would hardly approve such a project at this moment," he added.

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