People take a risky walk on this awfully dilapidated bridge to cross Bogi canal in Kalaiya union of Baufal upazila under Patuakhali district, thanks to the callousness of the authorities who did not bother to repair the structure for years. PHOTO: STAR

An iron bridge on Bogi canal in Baufal upazila under the district remains in an awful condition for long, much to the sufferings of the people of five villages including school going children.

The structure, with its one side subsided and most of the slippers broken, poses serious risk to the users.

Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) built the bridge in 1992-93 fiscal year to connect Shoula and Bogi Bazar areas of Kalaiya union under Baufal upazila.

But it has become dilapidated due to lack of renovation for long.

There are three educational institutions and a bazaar to the west near the bridge, and a haat and an educational institution to its east, locals said.

Hundreds of people cross the bridge amid risk daily, said college teacher Md Mojibur Rahman, also a resident of nearby Corpurkathi village.

The bridge may collapse anytime as the structure has become very weak and loose, he said.

Md Dulal Hossain, a businessman of Bogi Bazar, said several villagers got injured while crossing the bridge as most of its slippers are broken.

Md Faisal Ahmed, chairman for Kalaiya union parishad, said they sent several letters to the authorities concerned to take immediate step for renovation of the bridge but in vain.

Md Shahjahan Farazee, Baufal upazila LGED engineer, said they will take step to renovate the bridge soon.