BETAGI, BARGUNA, Sept 6: Movement of vehicles in Betagi Upazila of the district turns risky as a part of south approach road of Zopkhali Bridge collapsed.
The road linking the Barguna-Betagi-Bakerganj Regional highway collapsed about two months back. Since then there has been no initiative to repair it.
Taking life risk, transport drivers and passengers are using the road. They demanded repairing the road to avoid big incidents.
According to LGED sources, in the 2017- '18 financial year, an old iron bridge over Bererdhon Khal (canal) was demolished, and, in this place in Zopkhali area, a girder bridge was built; after two years of the construction of the girder bridge, its approach roads were raised; and direct communication of Barguna was restored with Bakerganj-Barishal.
A recent visit found the south link road of the bridge collapsed; blocs moved away; goal posts detached; despite that transports including passenger vehicles are moving on the risky road.
Locals said, along with the collapsed approach road, the bridge is also in risk.
A regular user of the road Lecturer of Bibichini School & College Abul Bashar said, it is urgent to take effective step about the risky link road as big incident is likely due to moving of local and inter-district buses, trucks and others.
A Mahindra driver Hanif Hawladar said, "When I reach near the risky approach road, I get scared. I pass that road stretch in a fear."
Former chairman of Betagi Union Aminul said, approach roads of both sides of the bridge are risky; it is the demand of all for taking rapid steps to repair the roads.
Betagi Upazila Engineer Sheikh Towfiq Aziz said, "I have inspected the collapsed approach road. Already the Executive Engineer-Barguna has been informed in written about allocating necessary money."
Betagi Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Faruq Ahmed said, "The matter was informed to the authorities concerned much before. We are trying our best to solve the problem."
