Incomplete bridge, immeasurable suffering
Thousands have been suffering for years as the construction of Kalia bridge over the Nabaganga river in Narail is yet to be completed.
The bridge was supposed to be completed in 2019. However, only 65 to 70 percent of the work has been done so far.
The duration of the Tk 72,37,00,000 project -- which started on March 18, 2018 -- has been extended till December 23 in the 4th term. However, the authorities have not yet confirmed if it can meet the fourth deadline as well.
Over five lakh people of Narail and Khulna have been facing manifold problems for years as work of 651.83-metre-long and 10.25-metre-wide bridge could not be completed in five years.
After the expiry of the deadline in 2019, RHD extended the deadline by one more year till June 30, 2020. The deadline was extended further till June 30, 2021, due to the pandemic.
During a recent visit to the construction site, this correspondent saw the work almost abandoned, with very few people around. One pillar is yet to be re-installed as the previous one broke and sank into the river after being hit by a cargo. The link roads are yet to be built.
Barkat Ullah, chairman of Kalia's Khasial union of Kalia upazila, told this correspondent that around 400 villages out of the 635 in Narail district will be directly benefitted from the bridge.
"People of 39 unions of Loharagara and Narail Sadar and 14 unions in Kalia are suffering immensely. Every day thousands of people have to cross Nabaganga river to go to offices, schools-colleges and hospitals in Narail town," he said.
"I have to spend Tk 20 every day to cross the river. It is quite burdensome. If the bridge is fully constructed, I would be benefitted," said eighth-grader Taiba Khatun.
Hassan Al Mamun, chairman of Lohagara's Kotakol union, said, "The construction work is moving at a snail's pace due to the negligence of the contracted firm who are appointing fewer workers on the site."
RHD executive engineer in Narail Md Ashrafuzzaman said, "A pillar broke down due to being hit by a vessel. We need a revised design."
"Around Tk 36 crore will be additionally needed for this purpose. Besides, the other pillars will be constructed with modern safety rings. Hence, it may take longer than December 2023 to complete the work," he added.
"I am disappointed at the delay in the bridge's construction. I have repeatedly talked with the contracted company, related offices and the higher authorities to finish the work," said local lawmaker Kabirul Haq Mukti.
"If the bridge is opened, the connectivity of Gopalganj, Barishal and Bagerhat districts with Narail-Jashore will increase," he added.
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