Bridges not built in 10 yrs

Construction of the TK 7.5 cr Suknakuri bridge in Durgapur was started in 1995. No body knows when it will be completed. PHOTO: STAR

Durgapur, a tourist spot in Netrakona having mineral deposits, is virtually isolated from rest of the country as construction of two bridges started long ago is yet to be completed and two others damaged by last year's flood are awaiting repair.

It is a surprise to local people why construction of the two bridges can not be completed in so many years. There is no move to repair the damaged bridges.

A frontier upazila near the Garo hills, Durgapur is inhabitated mostly by indigenous people. It has deposits of china clay, coal and other minerals.

The biggest china clay mine in the country is in Bijoypur in Durgapur upazila. A ceramic industry based on the clay has been set up in Durgapur.

At least 40 tonnes of coal are collected every day from Sumesho-wary river and supplied to other districts.

It is also known for the Birishiri Tribal Cultural Academy, the lone centre for tribal cultural activities in greater Mymensingh. Famous communist leader Moni Singh was born in Durgapur and the Tanka monument was launched from there.

Durgapur supplies fruits like banana, pineapple but traders from other districts have to make a tedious journey and face so many hurdles to reach the producers.

Durgapur upazila headquarters is only 45 km from Netrakona district town. Construction of Suknakuri and Someshwary bridges was started in 1995 and 1998 respectively by the Roads and Highway Department (R&H) at estimated costs of Tk 7.50 crore and Tk 9 crore. But they are yet to be completed.

About 40 per cent work of both the bridges were completed,

Netrakona R&H officials said.

There is no initiative to repair the damaged Gujalikanda bridge in Purbadhala upazila and Janzail bridge in Durgapur upazila.

Talking to this correspondent, M A Karim Abbasi, lawmaker from Durgapur-Kalmakanda constituency, said Durgapur has great potentials for development but it is neglected. Besides its minerals, the area can be developed into a tourist spot. It can also make enormous contributions to the national economy. But everything depends on good communication system, which is lacking.

"I am trying my best to develop the road communication. People's life in the area can be changed radically only if the upazila headquarters can have smooth road link with the district headquarters, he said.

Dr. Mohammad Ali, lawmaker from Purbadhala-Dhubaura constituency, said he contacted higher authorities in R&D for reconstruction of Gojalikanda bridge, damaged last year. He said he got a positive response.

When contacted, Executive Engineer (EXN) of Netrakona R&D, said construction of Suknakuri and Sumeshowary bridges has been stopped only for lack of funds.

About reconstruction of the two other bridges, he said project proposals for those are yet to be submitted.