Earthen approach roads the woe
People's suffering has worsened as the bridge over the Swarnamoti river was opened to traffic in September last year without completion of the approach roads.
Only earth filling of the 370-metre-long approach roads on both sides of the bridge in Sarpukur area of Aditmari upazila has been done, while the permanent concrete structure is yet to be built.
“We feel afraid when we cross the Swarnamoti Bridge on Lalmonirhat-Burimari Highway with our vehicles as it is very risky due to the earth filled approach roads,” said bus driver Asdaul Islam, 46, of the district. “We do not know why the approach roads have not been built even four months after completion of the bridge,” he added.
District Truck and Tank-lorry Sramik Union President Pulin Chandra Roy said the bridge was constructed to remove the problems of transport workers and pedestrians moving on Lalmonirhat-Burimari Highway, but the problems are still present as the approach roads are yet to be completed. “Thousands of vehicles, including goods-laden trucks from Burimari land port, cross the bridge daily,” he said, demanding completion of the approach road within January.
Trader Jahedul Islam, 52, said Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is not taking any step to complete the approach roads due to unknown reason. “Villagers are the worst sufferers due to the incomplete approach roads,” he added.
District Executive Engineer (additional charge) of RHD Shajedur Rahman said the 94-metre-long four-lane bridge over the Swarnamoti river was constructed at a cost of Tk 12.35 crore in last September. A joint venture firm of Messrs PTSL and Messrs Zahurul Islam was contracted to construct the bridge and also to build the 370-meter approach roads at the same time.
He told this correspondent that he is pressuring the construction firm to complete the approach road, but the firm's authorities are not responding due to unknown reason. “RHD authorities will take necessary steps against the construction firm if it does not complete the approach roads within January,” he added.
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