Babuganj bridge turns risky

The iron bridge on Guthia canal on Barisal-Swarupkathi regional highway in Babuganj upazila of the district has turned too risky due to its awful condition.

Because of the situation, thousands of people who use the bridge every day have to cross it amid risk of accident.

Local people said the steel structure of the bridge that connects Pirojpur and Swarupkathi, Banaripara, Ujirpur and Babuganj upazilas with the divisional headquarters, is in such a dilapidated condition that it may collapse anytime due to lack of renovation for long.

The bridge on Guthia canal, which has been in use for nearly three decades, has not been renovated for a long time, said Aftab Hossain, president of Barisal Bus Owner's Association.

“We have to run the vehicles over the dilapidated bridge amid risk of accident as there is no alternative road connection between Pirojpur and Barisal,” said Belal Hossain, a truck driver.

Rubel Hossain, a contractor, said the bridge has become too risky for users due to lack of proper maintenance and renovation work.

Roads and Highways Department (RHD) officials said the bridge turned very risky in recent times as most of the trucks crossing it are overloaded.

RHD officials said the bridge on Guthia canal has turned risky as it has been in use for the last thirty years without any renovation work.

RHD executive engineer in Barisal said they have sent a proposal for constructing a concrete bridge there as soon as possible.