Joypurhat-Hili highway ruined within months of repair

A large portion of the Joypurhat-Hili regional highway has turned dilapidated even though it was recently repaired. Pitching has come off on four kilometer stretch of the 19 kilometer road. 

The total 19 kilometer road was renovated two and a half months ago at a cost of Tk 2.69 crore. However, pitching from Panchur Mor to Puranapali has come off. Large potholes have developed in these areas, while the road has caved in several places. 

According to RHD sources, a work order worth Tk 2,69,14,534 was issued to repair the 19-kilometer stretch of the highway. Khagrachhari-based contracting firm S. Ananta Bikash Tripura Limited won the contract. 

Under the project, new carpeting was laid on the four-kilometer section from Panchur Mor to Puranapail. Pitching and minor repairs were done on the remaining 15 kilometers. The work was completed towards the end of April. Later, notice was issued to the contractor as the roads caved in and pitch peeled off at various spots.

During a spot visit, small and large potholes were seen due to peeled-off pitch between Panchur Mor and Puranapail. The road has sunk at several points. Vehicles are moving slowly to avoid potholes. Workers of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) were seen repairing damaged parts. However, locals complained that the repair work peels off within a week of application.

Locals alleged that low-quality construction caused rapid damage to the road. They claimed that the contractor who received the work order did not execute the project directly. A local individual supervised the entire work. They asserted that filling potholes will not solve the issue permanently. 

Shopkeeper Tapan Kumar Sarkar of the Parulia area, along with Shahin, Zoha, and Amina Begum of Biswaspara, stated that the road began sinking shortly after work was completed. Large potholes have now formed as the pitch came off. RHD workers have been repairing it for the last 4-5 days.

Local truck driver Alamgir Hossain said the road was not this bad before the repair. Pitch started peeling off right after the work finished. Driving on this road has now become extremely risky.

Attempts to contact S. Ananta Bikash Tripura Limited, the firm awarded the work order, yielded no response.

-SIS/SA