Years of neglect turn vital road into muddy trap

Waterlogging caused by accumulated rainwater in the Satal area of the Kishoreganj-Chamara Port regional road has been causing immense suffering to locals.

The under-construction road has long remained in a dilapidated condition, and the rainfall over the past few days has only worsened the situation.

Vehicular movement has become extremely difficult, with potholes now submerged under muddy water. Heavy vehicles like trucks often get stuck or overturn, leading to accidents, while lighter, slow-moving vehicles are creating traffic congestion at several points.

The Roads and Highways Department began renovating the 19.5-kilometre road -- from Ekrampur in Kishoreganj to Chamara Port -- in March 2020 under a Tk 700 crore project. However, even after four years, the work remains incomplete. The stretch from Ekrampur Railgate to Satal, spanning one kilometre, has been impassable for several years.

Residents of five haor upazilas in the district, along with people from neighbouring upazilas, rely on this road for regional connectivity.

According to RHD sources, the renovation deadline has been extended several times. Authorities cited complications in land acquisition as the reason behind the delays.

Goods such as paddy, coal, stone, and sand are transported daily to Chamara Port via this road before being shipped across the country through waterways. The road's poor condition is causing major disruptions to the port's activities.

Kamrul Islam, a resident of Satal area, alleged negligence and indifference on the part of the authorities and demanded immediate steps to complete the road's renovation for the sake of public interest.

Contacted, Shakil Mohammad Faisal, executive engineer of RHD in Kishoreganj, said they are aware of the situation.

"There are complications regarding land acquisition along the one-kilometre stretch in Satal. The road is being widened from 18 to 32 feet, but the work cannot progress unless the acquired lands are vacated by former owners," he said.

"In the meantime, we are trying to fill the potholes with brick chips and mortar as a temporary fix. However, due to the municipality's failure to clean roadside drains, rainwater has accumulated on the road. Hopefully, the water will recede in a few days so that we can repair the potholes temporarily."

Rafiqul Islam, executive engineer of Kishoreganj municipality, said conservancy workers will be sent to clean the drains and remove the accumulated rainwater.