AMTALI, BARGUNA, May 22: Commuting hardship for residents of around 20 villages under Amtali Upazila in Barguna has come to an end following the completion of reconstruction work on a long-neglected and deteriorated road, bringing relief to local people and transport operators.
The road - stretching from Amtali Government AK High School (RHD) to Gazipur GC via Talukder Haat - had remained in a severely damaged condition for a prolonged period, causing widespread disruption to daily movement.
According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) office in Amtali, the road reconstruction project was awarded in March 2024 by the LGED Barguna Executive Engineer's office to M/s Barendra Construction, with a scheduled completion date of November 2024.
However, after initial excavation and expansion work, the contractor allegedly abandoned the site without completing the project for unknown reasons. As a result, construction remained stalled for over a year, leaving the road in a worsening condition.
During the rainy season, the road turned muddy and nearly impassable, severely affecting movement for residents of around 20 villages. Frequent accidents were also reported as the road deteriorated further.
Repeated attempts by the authorities to resume work reportedly failed until LGED Executive Engineer Md Mehedi Hasan Khan took charge in June 2024. Upon joining, he initiated steps to resume the stalled project, including direct communication with the contractor and extending the project timeline.
Following his intervention, construction work resumed in full swing and has now been completed.
Local residents and transport operators have welcomed the development. "We had to suffer for over a year due to the poor condition of the road. Now we feel relieved after its completion," said Monir, a resident of Chaura Chalitabunia Village.
Another resident, Kamal Mia of Patakata Village, said movement had become extremely difficult due to mud and water-logging on the road.
Battery-run autorickshaw drivers Jahirul, Anwar, Mobin and Khair Mia said the road was previously dangerous, with frequent accidents occurring. "Now the new road has eased our suffering," they said.
LGED Sub-Assistant Engineer in Amtali, Md Shahidul Islam, said the stalled work was completed quickly under the direction of Executive Engineer Mehedi Hasan Khan.
Amtali Upazila Engineer Md Idris Ali said the road is used by people from three unions and about 20 villages across Amtali and Galachipa upazilas. "Around 10,000 people use this road daily. Its reconstruction has brought major relief," he said.
Executive Engineer Md Mehedi Hasan Khan said he took initiative after joining and learned about the prolonged stoppage of work. "I personally communicated with the contractor and ensured completion of the project to ease public suffering," he said.
