Bridge on Amua river awaits opening for over one year

Construction of a bridge over the Amua river in Kathalia upazila has fulfilled the dream of thousands of people in the south-western districts.

Construction work of the bridge began in 2014 and completed in June 30 last year at a cost of Tk 3.49 crore, said Golam Mostafa, executive engineer (additional charge) of Roads and Highways Department (RHD).

It had been a demand of the people for the last four decades, as it would help faster road communication in four districts, speeding up development in the areas.

The bridge links Jhalakathi, Barguna, Patuakhali, Pirojpur, Barisal and the districts of Khulna division, making road communication between Dhaka and Jhalakathi, Pirojpur and Barguna quick and easy, said Mostafa.  

“It was a dream which we cherished since our birth and now we are excited at seeing the bridge completed,” said Md Altaf Maulana.

“Earlier, students had to cross the Amua river by ferry boat, risking life. Now, they are not afraid and their presence has increased after completion of the bridge,” said Md Ferdous, a teacher at Amua Fazil Madrasa.

“We could not think that a bridge would be really constructed over the river when I was student of a high school, but now we are filled with joy when we walk on it,” said college student Sammi Aktar, who had to cross the river every day for going to Amua Degree College. 

“I used to dream of a bridge over the river when I crossed the river by ferry boat to go to college during rough weather,” said Toma Karmakar.  

“Foundation stone of the bridge was laid six times during the successive governments, but the bridge was not built,” said Principal Md Badshah of Amua Dgree College.

“We thank our incumbent member of parliament and the government for constructing the bridge, which connects us with other parts of the country,” he added.

Patients would greatly be benefited by the bridge as they can go to hospital easily, said village doctor Mamun of Bamna upazila in Barguna.

 “Though the bridge has been completed, we can't use it as it is not being opened to traffic,” said bus driver Sumon. 

Hundreds of people of Amua Bazar expressed their excitement and joy when they were talking to the reporter about the bridge area recently.

Expressing their gratitude towards the prime minister, they said they want opening of the bridge as early as possible.

“Constructing the bridge was my electoral commitment. It will be opened to traffic very soon,” said local lawmaker BH Haroon.