People suffer as bridge lies incomplete

The slow progress of a bailey bridge's construction work over  Tangail's Louhajang river is causing suffering to thousands of  commuters.

The deadline -- which was set on May 11 -- has already passed this month with only 40 percent of the work completed.

Locals blame the authorities and the contractor's negligence for its slow progression.

Tangail municipality gave the work order to Alif Traders on November 12, 2020, at a cost of Tk 3.95 crore under the LGED.

During  a recent visit, this correspondent saw four pillars, and the rod cage installed on top gathering rust. Pedestrians were using a bamboo bridge  to cross the river while no worker was around.

Shahjahan Khan of  Pashchim Akur Takur Para area said although a temporary Bailey bridge was constructed, no heavy vehicles can pass through it.

"There is no one to see our sufferings," he added.

Sadhan  Chandra Dhar, the bridge's quality control engineer, said they were not sure how long it would take to complete the construction.

"If the contractor delays the work, the municipal mayor may cancel the contract with a warning," he said.

Contacted, Tangail Municipality Mayor SM Sirajul Haque Alamgir said the contractor has been repeatedly urged to complete the work.

"We have notified them through the latest letter. We will take action if they fail to comply," said the mayor.

MR  Khan Tutul, proprietor of Alif Traders, said it took time to complete the work as the plates and pipes were brought from Chattogram and China.

"The work will be completed before October," he added.