Useless bridge

A newly constructed bridge over Shakrail canal in Nagarkanda upazila remains unused due to lack of approach roads to the bridge, causing immense suffering to the villagers.

During early 2016-2017 fiscal year, Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built the 36-foot-long bridge at a cost of Tk 1.38 crore.

During a recent visit, this correspondent found people crossing the bridge with the help of bamboo and wooden ladders on both sides of the bridge.

Habibur Rahman, chairman of Laskardia Union Parishad (UP), said it is the easiest way to go to Phulsuti UP and adjacent Nagarkanda upazila headquarters for about 7,000 people of eight villages.

Despite repeated pleas, the authorities concerned are yet to take any steps to build the approach roads to the bridge, he said.

Students of Phulsuti High School and Shakrail Government Primary School are the worst sufferers, said the chairman.

Jahirul Islam, a resident of Phulsuti village, said, "We can't go to nearby markets by using rickshaw-vans or light vehicles as there is no approach road to the bridge. We suffer much during monsoon."

ASM Rofikul Alam, contractor of the bridge, said, "The approach roads will be built after the water level of the canal goes down."

Abdul Hannan, engineer of Nagarkanda Upazila Parishad, said, "As I have joined the upazila parishad recently, I did not know about that bridge. But I will take step to build the approach roads as soon as possible."