People suffer for roadwork delay

For the past three years, thousands of commuters in Rajbari's Baliakandi upazila have been enduring significant hardships due to prolonged delays in the reconstruction of two critical roads.

The repair of the 12.3km Baliakandi-Mrigi road commenced under Rural Connectivity Development Project (RCIP) of the Local Government Engineering Department on September 30, 2020. Initially slated for completion by April 30, 2022, the project had an allocation of approximately Tk 15.55 crore.

Despite securing the contract for the Baliakandi-Mrigi road development, contractor Mir Habibul Alam, hailing from Uttar Bargacha in Natore, has failed to meet the stipulated time frame.

In a similar vein, reconstruction of the 4.535km Baliakandi-Magchami road, extending from Talpatti of Baliakandi upazila headquarters through Meghchami to Madhukhali, also started under the same project on September 30, 2020, was slated to be completed by April 30, 2022.

Contractor Mir Habibul Alam was responsible for this road as well, but had failed to finish the works.

With no alternative roads to reach the upazila and district headquarters, and markets, we face immense difficulties due to the road's current condition.

— Rashida Begum Resident of Narua village

The reconstruction timelines for both roads have been extended multiple times, further exacerbating the situation.

During a recent visit, this correspondent saw both roads in a deteriorated state, rendering safe vehicular movement nearly impossible. The road surfaces were riddled with potholes, as the brick layer had been stripped away. Moreover, rainwater was seen accumulating on the roads.

"The Baliakandi-Magchami road is vital for locals. Unfortunately, due to reconstruction delays, we have endured substantial inconvenience over the past three years. During the dry season, dust plagues us, and in the monsoon, the road becomes waterlogged and muddied," said Liton Sheikh of Amtola area in the upazila.

Rashida Begum, a resident of Narua village, said, "With no alternative roads to reach the upazila headquarters, district headquarters, and markets, we face immense difficulties due to the current condition of these roads."

Ripon, a rickshaw-van puller from Biltakapora village, said, "Driving vehicles on the Baliakandi-Mrigi road is extremely challenging, as wheels often get stuck in the mud. Passengers frequently have to resort to walking due to the road's uneven surface."

"Transporting patients to hospital via these badly damaged roads is a daunting task. We have voiced our concerns to various authorities, but no steps have been taken to address the problem," said Abdul Kuddus from Bildhamu village.

Md Alamgir Biswas, chairman of Baliakandi Union Parishad, said, "People continue to suffer as the road reconstruction remains at a standstill for an extended period. We raised the issue during a meeting with the upazila parishad chairman, where the contractor's representative pledged to resume work within a month."

"If the work is not completed in the next couple of months, we will demand a re-tender, canceling the existing contract with the contractor," he added.

Contractor Habibul Alam could not be reached for comments despite multiple attempts.

                        Khondkar Rahat Ferdous, engineer at LGED in Baliakandi, assured that the contractor had provided assurances to expedite the road development projects.