5 risky bridges, culverts in Lalmonirhat

Two bridges and three culverts on the four-km-long Kakina-Mahipur road in Kaliganj upazila, have become risky for traffic as the approach roads and structures are breaking down.

Movement of light vehicles on the road, which connects with the newly-constructed second Teesta Bridge, has become risky due to the awful condition of the bridges and culverts, especially at night.

Trader Nur Islam, 48, of Kakina Bazar in Kaliganj upazila, said he could not drive his motorcycle comfortably on the road due to the horrible condition of the bridges and culverts.

“The bridges and culverts were constructed three years ago, but have become damaged as they were not built properly,” said another trader Shafiqul Islam, 52, of the same area.

“The bridges and culverts were built with low quality materials. We protested against sub-standard work but Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) officials told us that we had no knowledge of engineering,” said Matiul Islam, 62, of Mahipur village.

“If these bridges and culverts had been constructed properly they would not have been damaged within three years,” said local school teacher Sirajul Islam, 52. “We are getting so many development works, but they are not sustainable,” he added.

However, Kaliganj Upazila Engineer of LGED Parvez Newaz Khan told this correspondent that the approach roads and some structures of the bridges and culverts were damaged by flood last year. “We spent Tk 3 crore for constructing those and the work was done properly as per schedule,” he added.  

Upazila Executive Engineer of LGED SM Zakiur Rahman told this correspondent that the damaged bridges and culverts will be repaired soon. “The bridges and culverts were constructed according to the previous design. They will be rebuilt after changing the design,” he said.