Flood-hit bridges lying damaged
The bridges and roads that were damaged during the floods last year are yet to be repaired in the district, forcing the people to make temporary arrangement.
At least 107 bridges and 204 kilometres of roads were damaged when the flood hit the district a few months ago, said Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Executive Engineer Khalilur Rahman.
Khalil said of the bridges 21 were completely damaged while rest partially damaged. Besides, 204 kilometres of roads were washed away during the flood.
Of them, seven bridges and 20 kilometres of roads are in Sadar upazila, 20 bridges and 25 kilometres of roads in Birganj upazila, seven bridges and eight kilometres of roads in Nawabganj, five bridges and eight kilometres of roads in Bochaganj, 10 bridges and 20 kilometres of roads in Phulbari, five bridges and 11 kilometres of roads in Kaharol, nine bridges and 25 kilometres of roads in Khansama, 20 bridges and 13 kilometres of roads in Biral, 20 bridges and three kilometres of roads in Birampur, one bridge and 30 kilometres of roads in Parbatipur, three bridges and 35 kilometres of roads in Chirirbandar, three kilometres of roads in Ghoraghat and three kilometres of roads in Hakimpur upazilas.
People of the affected areas said farmers and patients are the worst sufferers due to the damaged bridges and roads.
During a visit to different villages in Sadar, Birganj, Biral, Chirirbandar and Bochaganj upazilas, this correspondent found that villagers have built temporary structures using bamboos over the damaged bridges, but the structures are not safe even for motorbike riders.
“It is risky to even walk over the structures,” said Nazmul Nahid of Jamtoli area in Sadar upazila.
“If the bridges and roads are left this way, farmers will suffer huge losses. It is essential to repair the damaged bridges and roads before the rainy season starts,” said Julfikar Ali of Chirirbandar upazila.
“It is nearly four months since the flood damaged the bridges and roads in our village, but no step has been taken to rebuild or repair those,” said Kartik Chandra Roy of Kornai village in Sadar upazila.
Khalil said Tk 80.50 crore is needed for repairing the bridges and roads, adding that they have prepared a budget and sent it to the ministry concerned for approval.
He said they have got Tk 40 crore initially for rebuilding and repairing the damaged bridges and roads across the district. The work will begin as soon as possible, he added.
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