Rajapur (Jhalakathi) Correspondent

Irregularities have been alleged in the renovation of a 3.5-kilometer road from Putiakhali (Mirer Hat) market to Chalish Kaunia in Rajapur upazila of Jhalakathi.

Locals have obstructed the work and stopped it because red sand was used instead of stone in the road construction.

It is learnt that the government allocated a budget of 50 lakh taka for the renovation of the road. According to the design, a 12-millimeter road was to be constructed with six-millimeter stone and asphalt, but the contractor concerned was continuing the work by mixing only red sand and asphalt instead of stone. After the matter came to light, the locals came together and stopped the work on Thursday morning.

The locals claim that despite the government allocation, irregularities and corruption are being committed by continuing the work with low-quality materials. They have clearly stated that if stone is not used according to the rules, the work will not be allowed to start.

Md., owner of the contracting company M/s Mohammad Builders. Rashedul Islam said in this regard, "The locals stopped the work because there was no stone. Then we brought the stone and started the work."

However, supporting the demands of the locals, Jhalakathi Sub-Divisional Engineer Md. Mojibur Rahman said, "The locals stopped the work because the contractor committed irregularities, which is a very commendable initiative. We cannot accept low-quality work by wasting state money."

Meanwhile, Jhalakathi Executive Engineer Shahriar Sharif Khan did not comment on the matter. When contacted on his mobile phone, he hung up and his statement could not be reached despite multiple attempts.

Meanwhile, it is not yet known what action the project officials will take after the locals' obstruction. However, the locals claim that they will not allow the project to continue if the right materials are not used.