Damaged road adds to locals’ woes

Locals have been facing difficulties with their commute on Panditpara Road in Mymensingh city as it is lying in dilapidated state for the last six months.

The situation began about half a year ago when the authorities started setting ring culverts to improve the city's sewerage system. The culverts are being deployed from Panditpara to Notun Bazar areas. Though the physical works were completed about a month ago, the workers are yet to repair the road, making it unfit for both vehicles and pedestrians, said Abhijit Pal, a local.

"Only one side of the road somewhat usable, allowing people and vehicles to pass with difficulties. The rest of the road is in a bad shape, with deep potholes and dumped garbage taking up much of it," said Abul Hasan, another resident of the area.

Also, unused ring culverts have been kept for months on both sides of the busy Saheb Ali Road in Notun Bazar area, a road leading to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, creating severe traffic congestion on a daily basis.

According to locals, the authorities concerned did not respond to their plea for completing the service works on this important road a month ago. The blamed the contractors' negligence and Mymensingh City Corporation's lack of monitoring for the delays.

This road connects several schools, colleges, district and divisional administration offices, Judge's Court, offices of Deputy Inspector General of Police, and Mymensingh Museum at Shashi Lodge and Alexandra Castle (Lohar Kuthir), an archeological site.

With HSC examinations underway, examinees and their guardians are gravely concerned over the condition of the road. The incomplete works will lead to a delay for hundreds of students as they will be unable to reach examination centres across the city on time.

Mohammad Azaharul Haque, assistant engineer of MCC, said they have been monitoring the progress of work regularly.

Contacted, Md Rafiqul Islam Miah, executive engineer of MCC, said the repair works were delayed due to rain.