Ferries, pontoons rusting away

Thirteen ferries, 10 pontoons and two gangways, which have been out of operation, are getting damaged in different ferry terminals in the district.

There are nine terminals in the district, of which four are not operating as bridges have been built over the rivers. The bridges are all on the Kuakata-Barisal highway.

Patuakhali Bridge over the Lawkathi river opened in 2005, and Sheikh Kamal Bridge over the Andharmanik river, Sheikh Jamal Bridge over the Sonatala river and Sheikh Russel Bridge over the Shibbaria river, all in Kalapara upazila, opened in 2015.

Though bridges were built and ferry services stopped, the ferries, pontoons and gangways are still kept at those terminals.

There are two ferries each in Boga and Galachipa terminals, three ferries and one pontoon each in Kalapara and Hajipur, two ferries and three pontoons in Mohipur, one ferry and five pontoons in Patuakhali, and two gangways in Hajipur, said district Ferry Division Executive Engineer Shamimul Haque.

Md Jasim Uddin of Kalapara terminal area said the ferries are getting damaged by the salt water.

Sabbir Rahman of Hajipur area said parts of the ferry have been stolen as there is no guard. The authorities concerned should take immediate steps to repair the ferries or sell them to get revenue, he suggested.

“We sent several letters to the higher authorities about the matter, but in vain,” said engineer Shamimul. “We will take steps after getting decision from the higher authorities,” he added.

Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Mir Nizam Uddin said process of selling the useless ferries, pontoons and gangways is underway.