Classroom or dump site?

Construction work of a bridge over a canal adjacent to Sultanabad Islamia Dakhil Madrasa in Patuakhali's Baufal upazila began at the end of March.

Previously, there was a small steel bridge over the waterway, but it had to be replaced as it was dilapidated, said the authorities.

The project, which is under the Local Government Division (LGD), was supposed to end within six months. However, the bridge is yet to be completed.

As a result, locals are suffering in absence of any alternative pathway.

No vehicles could cross the canal in the last seven months, while a narrow, makeshift iron bridge was constructed for the purpose of crossing the waterway by foot.

Many accidents have occurred in the meantime, with people, children and elderly  falling off the makeshift bridge, injuring themselves in the process, said locals.

What's more baffling is that the contractors have dumped the construction materials at premises of the nearby madrasa during this time, hampering classroom activities. They have occupied two classrooms to keep the materials.

According to Upazila Project Implementation Office (PIO) sources, the 15-metre bridge is being constructed at a cost of Tk 76.64 lakh.

Baufal upazila Jubo League President Md Shahjahan Siraj is working as the project's sub-contractor.

Maulana Mosharef Hossain, in-charge of Sultanabad Islamia Dakhil Madrasa, said, "They have occupied two classrooms of the madrasa to keep construction materials, without taking our permission."

He also said at least 20 students fell into the canal while walking over the makeshift bridge.

Suman, a rickshaw-puller, said he is earning Tk  250 per day,  Tk 400-500 less than usual, as the construction of the bridge is underway, because he cannot carry passengers to the other side.

Contacted, Siraj said an alternative way was constructed,  but it got damaged.

About occupying the classrooms, he said, "I kept some construction materials in a classroom due to shortage of space. "We will remove those soon."

He, however, could not come up with an answer as to how long it will take to finish the construction of the bridge.

Project engineer Rajib Biswas, who is working under LGD, said the bridge's work has been halted for the time being as the contractor did not set up the steel plates and pillars properly.

"They will start the work soon as per planning," he added.

Contacted, UNO Al Amin said no one can keep construction materials in classrooms. "We will look into the issue right away."