Tk 3cr bridge lies unused for 6 yrs over missing approach roads

BAUPHAL, PATUAKHALI, July 31: A Tk 3 crore bridge has remained unusable for six years in Bauphal Upazila of the district due to the absence of approach roads after flaws were found in its design, causing prolonged suffering for thousands of residents. 

According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the 24-metre-long and 7-metre-wide reinforced concrete girder bridge was constructed over the Banshbariya-Bogi canal in the 2019-20 fiscal year to improve road connectivity between Bauphal and Dashmina upazilas. The bridge, built by M/s Abul Kalam Azad Enterprise, was completed on schedule by the end of 2020 at a cost of Tk 28.21 million.

However, construction of the approach roads was suspended after authorities identified design flaws during implementation. Although nearly six years have passed, work on the connecting roads has yet to begin.

A visit to the site found the bridge standing at the southern end of Bogi Bazar with no approach roads on either side. Residents have improvised brick steps to climb the nearly 20-foot-high bridge, exposing pedestrians to frequent accidents. Women, children, students and elderly people are among those facing the greatest difficulties.

The incomplete project has also disrupted the transport of agricultural produce between the two upazilas, forcing farmers to take lengthy alternative routes.

Locals alleged that LGED's negligence has left thousands of people from 11 villages without the intended benefits of the bridge.
Resident Abdul Hai said the bridge had been designed without consulting local people, and the design flaws only came to light after the main structure had been completed.

Another resident, Mashiur Rahman Labu, said students from four educational institutions were among the worst affected, with accidents occurring regularly due to the lack of approach roads.

Farmer Sohrab Mia said he now has to travel around 30 kilometres to transport paddy, rice, pulses and livestock to Kalaiya Bazar, increasing transport costs and reducing profits.

Tushar Kanti Ghosh, Head-teacher of Karpurkathi Islamia Secondary School, said hundreds of students from secondary and primary schools, as well as a madrasa, were forced to cross the bridge at risk, leading to injuries and lower school attendance.

Dashmina Upazila Engineer Md Makbul Hossain said the bridge had been designed before he joined the office. After the design flaws were identified, the work was halted. A revised design has since been approved, and construction of the approach roads will begin once the tender process is completed.

Bauphal Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saleh Ahmed acknowledged the public suffering and said he would discuss the matter with senior LGED officials to expedite construction of the approach roads.