Delay in bridge construction leaves over 1 lakh people suffering in Pekua

Over 100,000 people are facing severe hardships as the communication between being disrupted due to the delay in constructing a bridge at the connecting point in the Dasherghona area of Rajakhali Union under Pekua upazila.

A new bridge is being constructed at a cost of nearly Tk 18 crore after the old one was demolished. 

During a ground visit, it has been revealed that the bridge is being constructed at a cost of nearly Tk 18 crore after the old one was demolished at the connecting point in the Dasherghona area of the upazila.

Although an alternative road was constructed to ensure normal movement during the demolition of the old bridge and construction of the new one, locals alleged that the bridge construction work was allowed to proceed without properly preparing the alternative route or making it suitable for traffic.

Meanwhile, different sections of the alternative road were found submerged in muddy water. In some places, the soil had been washed away, leaving the road almost impassable. Not only has vehicular movement become impossible, but even crossing the road on foot has become extremely difficult. People are being forced to take longer routes to reach their destinations, even in emergencies.

As a result, commuters are facing severe difficulties in their daily activities. The transportation of patients, students' journeys to educational institutions and the daily movement of working people have been particularly affected. The prolonged situation has also triggered growing anger and dissatisfaction among local residents.

Locals said the new bridge would improve communication and ease their long-standing suffering once completed. However, the absence of a functional alternative route during construction has forced them to endure hardship even before they can enjoy the benefits of the development project.

They demanded immediate repairs to the alternative road to ensure safe movement for both vehicles and pedestrians. They also called for necessary measures to complete the bridge construction within the stipulated timeframe.

Contacted, Pekua Upazila Engineer Rabiul Hasan said, "I am looking into the matter and instructed the contractor to make the alternative road usable as soon as possible."

Pekua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Rafiqul Islam said, "I have visited the site after learning about the situation and instructed the concerned authorities to construct an alternative road for movement of the locals."