<i>Job befitting the youths brings relief for locals</i>

As repeated appeals by the locals to the authorities fell on deaf ears, the youths of Raghobpur village in Gaibandha finally joined hands to build this 70-foot-long bamboo bridge, much to the relief of the people of 10 neighbouring villages.Photo: STAR

Construction of a wooden bridge over Raghobpur canal in Gobindaganj upazila under the district has come as a relief for people of ten villages, thanks to the initiative of a group of young people belonging to Nature and Environment Preservation Organisation (NEPO), a local voluntary organisation.
Locals including the people of Uttarpara, Shamspur, Raghobpur, Noondahapara, Fakirpara, Sonarpara villages had been facing problems to go to upazila and union parishad offices, educational institutions and markets as the concrete bridge over the canal collapsed during the flood in 1987.
In the rainy season people had to take risky ride on banana tree rafts to cross the canal or move additional five-kilometre road to reach the destinations, said locals, adding that despite their repeated appeal authorities did not construct a concrete bridge there.
Finally the members of Nature and Environment Preservation Organisation took initiative to set up a wooden bridge to help smooth communication in the area.
Solvent people provided wood, bamboo and other materials while others provided physical labour to complete the 70-feet-long bridge in a short time.
Starting the work on August 12, they completed its construction on August 19.
"We had to cover additional five kilometres to carry paddy, jute and other agricultural products to the market. Now the bridge has reduced our suffering," said Mojibar Rahman, a farmer of Raghobpur village.
"We are thankful to the young group who took initiative to build the bridge that helps us to go to destinations with ease," said Abdul Mottalib," assistant teacher of Taluk Kanupur High School.
However, a permanent bridge over the canal has remained a longstanding demand of local people, said Mohsin Ali, chairman of Taluk Kanupur union.
"We have already forwarded a proposal for construction of a concrete bridge across the canal," said Gobindaganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer MA Wahed.
Ahmed Ullah, president of NEPO, said the voluntary organisation works for preservation of environment, including tree plantation and making safe shelters for local and wild birds, and renovation of damaged roads.
This year the organisation received 'national environment award' in recognition to its social welfare and environment-friendly works, he added.