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An iron bridge built around 30 years back over Bauria canal under Galachipa upazila collapsed one and a half months ago, but no steps have been taken till now to repair it and resume communication.

Villagers said the bridge was built on the canal around 30 years back to ease communication in the area, but it collapsed in the middle of October due to lack of renovation for a long time.

About one lakh people of Khontakhali, Kanchonbaria, Kismot Bauria, Bishkani Bauria, Ramanando and Tafalbaria villages under Patuakhali's Galachipa upazila and Sonakhlai, Algee and Chalitabunia villages under Barguna's Amtali upazila are suffering due to lack of communication.

Villagers cannot go to local haats and bazars or to the upazila and district town due to collapse of the bridge. A good number of school goers are also suffering as there are two educational institutions -- Bauria Government Primary School and Bauria High School -- in the area.

Bauria High School Headmaster Md Abu Bakar said students of the institution are facing immense suffering after the bridge collapsed.

“We have requested the local union parishad (UP) chairman to take immediate steps to build a new bridge on the canal to resume communication,” he said.

Bahadur Hawlader, a resident of Bauria village, said the bridge was built around 30 years back and villagers were getting its benefit, but it collapsed one and a half months back, which has created a problem in communication with other places.

Villagers voluntarily built a bamboo bridge (locally called sako) considering the interest of school goers, but they have to cross it at great risk, he said, adding that the authorities concerned should take immediate steps to build a new bridge on the canal.

Kamruzzaman Monir, chairman of Amkhola UP under Galachipa upazila, said it is a very important bridge and local people have been suffering since it collapsed.

“We have informed Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) about the matter and requested them to build a new bridge,” he said.

Galachipa Upazila LGED Engineer Md Atiqur Rahman said they are taking steps to build a new bridge there.