GHORAGHAT, DINAJPUR, Jan 10: The ongoing road development project in Ghoraghat municipality of the district, is showing clear signs of irregularities and substandard work even before its completion.
The pavement of the newly constructed road, built at an estimated cost of Tk 3.55 crore, is coming off at several places. In some areas, the asphalt peels away with the slightest touch, while in others children playing have been able to lift sections of the road.
A site visit revealed that the newly laid asphalt layer is extremely weak, largely due to improper rolling and compaction. Locals fear the entire stretch could deteriorate soon, as the designated thickness and bonding have not been properly maintained.
According to municipal sources, under the IIDB (Urban Development) Project for FY 2023-24, the contractor MS Runa Enterprise was assigned to develop 5.1 km of roads across Ward 8 (partial) and Ward 9 of Ghoraghat Municipality. The project was divided into four packages, with work starting in July 2025 and scheduled to be completed by July 2026. Current progress is estimated at around 40 per cent.
Residents alleged that from the very beginning, the contractor used low-quality "No. 3" bricks instead of the approved "No. 1" bricks. In many areas, instead of proper leveling, only sand was laid with a superficial layer of mortar, giving the appearance of work. Despite complaints, no visible corrective action was taken, and rolling and paving continued hastily.
Villagers-including Babu, Salam, Aziz, Bulu, Hero, Kiran, Ejaz, Yasir-expressed outrage, saying, "Just two days ago, a chicken stepping on the road lifted the pavement. Children are playing with these pieces. Can this even be called a road? What will happen when tractors or heavy vehicles pass?"
Locals also noted that the asphalt could lift even if a tractor brake is applied sharply, raising fears that the contractor may submit bills and leave after showing minimal work.
Questions have been raised about the role of Assistant Engineer Anwar Parvez. While he admitted the use of substandard bricks initially, he could not provide details of any corrective measures after irregularities were proven. Residents claim he has largely neglected site supervision.
Allegedly, close coordination between the contractor and the assistant engineer allowed substandard work to continue unchecked, reinforcing the perception that "easy communication and convenience" between contractor and engineer is a major reason for poor quality. Locals allege that while the municipal administrator wants quality work, his directives are not enforced at the ground level.
The contractor's project manager, Sunil, initially admitted some work was faulty but later denied it, claiming the pavement would lift without 3-4 days' curing. Contractor Nazrul Islam, citing his 40 years of experience, sidestepped explanations, referring to speed breakers instead, and at one point spoke dismissively to journalists, asserting that ministry approval shields them.
Municipal Administrator Abdul Al Mamun Kawsar Sheikh said, "I have inspected the project multiple times and told the contractor that bills will not be approved for substandard work. I have instructed the municipal engineer to supervise, yet asphalt is peeling off even in ongoing work. The matter is being reviewed."
