Khorshed Alam,  Sherpur

A bridge construction proposal in Jhenaigati, Sherpur, has been stuck in files for 18 years. As a result, people from 15 villages traveling through this route are facing severe hardships. In 2007, the bridge over a canal in Kabirajpara of Hatibandha Union collapsed and fell into the canal. However, even after 18 years, the destroyed bridge has not been reconstructed, causing immense suffering for hundreds of people.

It has been learned that hundreds of people from 15 villages travel through the Ghagra Kabirajpara and Putulpara road in Hatibandha Union. Since the country's independence, a canal flowing from the Malijhi River has been a source of suffering for pedestrians on this road. To alleviate the suffering of the villagers, the LGED constructed a bridge over the canal in 2007. However, before the construction was even completed, the bridge collapsed.

Local women’s vice-chairman Laily Begum, along with villagers Yad Ali, Nur Mohammad, Abdul Karim, and Md. Asadul, stated that during the construction of the bridge, the contractor used substandard materials and applied less than the required amount. As a result, before the construction was completed, the bridge collapsed and fell into the canal. This incident severed the road communication system for these villages. However, even after 17 years, the bridge has not been rebuilt at that location.

According to sources from the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), a letter was sent to the concerned department regarding the construction of a bridge at that location. However, the proposal has been stuck in files for 17 years.

An on-site investigation revealed that, in the interest of transportation and communication, the Union Parishad constructed a wooden bridge next to the collapsed bridge. However, this wooden bridge has also become fragile. People are crossing it at great risk to their lives. Though villagers are somehow managing to keep the fragile bridge operational with makeshift repairs, it can only support the passage of a few light individuals at a time.

Due to the absence of a bridge, hundreds of villagers are experiencing severe hardships. Farmers are facing various difficulties in transporting agricultural products and livestock. Hatibandha Union Parishad Chairman Jahangir Alam, along with the villagers, stated that they have repeatedly submitted applications for the construction of a bridge for over a decade. Public representatives and the administration have also given assurances from time to time. However, even after more than a decade, the project has not been implemented.

Upazila Engineer Shubho Basak said,  funds from the ADP have been allocated to repair the fragile wooden bridge next to the collapsed bridge to maintain transportation. Additionally, a proposal has been sent to the concerned department for constructing a bridge at this location. The bridge will be built as soon as the necessary funds are allocated.