Committed to PEOPLE'S RIGHT TO KNOW
Vol. 5 Num 1135 Wed. August 08, 2007  
   
National


Bandarban roads unfit for traffic


Most of the roads in the hill district are unfit for traffic.

The roads are Bandarban-Ruma road, Bandarban-Chimbuk road and Bandarban-Roangchari road.

The roads became unfit for traffic due to recent heavy rainfall and landslide.

Commuters and pedestrians suffer a lot due to heavy mud and many potholes on the roads. Transport vehicles ply along the roads at risk.

During a visit, this correspondent saw that vehicles like mini truck, jeep, car, and pick-up van were moving at risk along Bandarban-Ruma, Bandarban-Chimbuk and Bandarban-Roangchari roads.

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) officials said they are unable to repair the roads due to lack of fund. It needs several crores of taka to make the roads fit for communication, officials said.

Bandarban Road Division executive engineer Sitangshu Shaha said, 'We have submitted a proposal to the higher authorities just after the landslide, but they are yet to respond it.'

However, local people alleged negligence of duties of the authorities concerned and lack of regular maintenance.

They alleged the Bandarban Road Division authorities had refunded about Tk 80 lakh to the headquarters as unused fund in the last fiscal.

Frequent plying of heavy loaded trucks and lories have also attributed to the situation, they said.

Local people have urged the caretaker government to rebuild and repair the damaged roads without further delay.