Thousands suffer due to bridge construction delay
The residents of at least 12 villages in Tangail's Sakhipur upazila have been suffering immensely due to a significant delay in the construction of a crucial bridge.
Only a quarter of the work has been completed so far, even though more than a year has passed since the project's completion date.
In response to the long-time demand of locals, the government decided to construct the bridge on Kalidas-GC-Bohuria UP Road at Kakrar Jora area to improve road communication there, according to the office of the Upazila Engineer in Sakhipur.
The Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED) took on the task as part of its strengthening and widening upazila-union roads project.
A Dhaka-based construction firm was awarded the contract for the construction of the 25-metre bridge with a budget of Tk 2.28 crore.
The construction began on February 16, 2021, with the deadline for completion set for February 17, 2022.
However, the contractor firm stopped the work after a few months for reasons unknown, causing immense suffering for the nearby villagers who commuted through the road, said locals.
During a recent visit, this correspondent found that only a few pillars of the bridge have been installed so far, and locals were facing difficulties passing through the construction site on the road, which is in a deteriorated condition.
Rafiqul Islam from Kakrar Jora village mentioned that vehicular movement, except for motorcycles, remains suspended at that location, forcing locals to take alternative routes that add 15-20 extra kilometres to their journey, incurring additional time and expenses.
Teachers at local educational institutions stated that students are having difficulty reaching classes on time due to disruptions in road communication caused by the incomplete bridge.
Saiful Islam and Hafizur Rahman, traders at local Karutiapara and Kalidas markets, expressed their inability to transport goods as goods-laden vehicles cannot use the road until the bridge is completed.
Sarkar Nure Alam, chairman of Bohuria Union Parishad, urged the authorities concerned to take prompt measures to complete the construction work as soon as possible, considering the people's suffering.
When contacted, Abdul Based, the upazila engineer (LGED) in Sakhipur, said they are aware of the situation and public suffering.
He mentioned, "We have learned that the contractor stopped the work due to his illness. However, he has recently recovered."
He continued, "The executive engineer of LGED in Tangail has already spoken with the contractor, and the contractor has assured us that he will resume the work and complete it as soon as possible."
Abdul Based concluded by saying, "We have also submitted a request to the office of the project director for an extension of the deadline."
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