Solar streetlights go dark in Bangladesh town after nearly five years

A climate-funded streetlighting project in Mathbaria is facing maintenance problems, with municipal officials acknowledging that most of the lights have stopped working.

Most of the 155 solar-powered streetlights installed in Mathbaria municipality in Bangladesh’s Pirojpur district nearly five years ago are no longer working, leaving several roads poorly lit and causing difficulties for pedestrians.

The streetlights were installed under a climate fund project across different roads in Mathbaria municipality. Each light cost more than 100,000 taka, while the total expenditure for the 155 lights was recorded at 175,184,10 taka.

Some of the lights still operate intermittently, switching on and off, while many have remained out of order for extended periods, according to local residents.

During a visit to the area, faulty streetlights were found in several locations, including South Bandar, inside the Upazila Health Complex, the Dakbangla area, TNT Road and the Peyajhata area.

Local medicine trader Tarek Monowar said the streetlights had been out of order for a long time.

“These lights on the roads have been out of order for a long time. Some streetlights turn on occasionally and then remain off. I face many problems when I close my shop and go home, and incidents such as theft and mugging occur,” he said.

Mehedi Hasan, a resident of Mathbaria market, said a streetlight in the area had been broken for a year, making it difficult for pedestrians to travel at night.

“The streetlight here has been out of order for a year. Pedestrians face difficulties travelling at night. The lights need to be repaired quickly,” he said.

Mohammad Hafizur Rahman Kawsar, assistant engineer of Mathbaria municipality, said some of the lights were still functioning while others were broken.

“The municipality has not yet taken any initiative to repair them. Their lifespan is three years. That period has ended. Now the municipality will have to take the initiative to repair them,” he said.

Amal Krishna Saha, executive officer of Mathbaria municipality, said most of the streetlights were no longer working.

“Most of the lights are broken. I will speak with the staff of the streetlight department and take the necessary measures in this regard,” he said.

This post is republished from RTV News.