Sadullapur Solar Street Lights Lie Defunct, Leaving Public in the Dark

Most solar-powered street lights in Sadullapur Upazila, Gaibandha, have become non-functional, rendering a multi-crore taka government project useless. Due to a lack of maintenance and official neglect, key public areas are once again shrouded in darkness, raising safety concerns for residents.

Installed across 11 unions, these lights were intended to illuminate markets, educational institutions, religious sites, and railway stations. However, the absence of a repair framework has left the infrastructure abandoned.

Local residents, including Akbar Ali Munshi and Mokhlesur Rahman, noted that while the lights initially improved nighttime security, their failure has made commuting difficult. Tajul Islam, Convener of the Naldanga Union Volunteer Party, echoed these sentiments, stating that the project's benefits were short-lived due to poor oversight, effectively wasting public funds.

Naldanga Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Gafur claimed that despite repeated requests, the contracting companies have failed to honor repair assurances. Meanwhile, Sadullapur Upazila Project Implementation Officer, Md. Mainul Haque, stated that the project period has expired, and no specific funds are currently allocated for maintenance. He suggested that repairs now depend on whether local chairmen can divert funds from other allocations.