Roadwork delays leave Kaliganj commuters struggling

KALIGANJ, GAZIPUR, Aug 7: Residents of Kaliganj Upazila in Gazipur have alleged that a road reconstruction project has caused widespread hardship after work stalled midway, leaving a nearly four-kilometre stretch riddled with mud, potholes and stagnant water during the monsoon.

The road, connecting Jamalpur Bazar and Dolon Bazar in Jamalpur Union, has become difficult to use after the old bituminous surface was removed but reconstruction progressed slowly, locals said. They added that only three sections of the road had previously required repairs.

The project, implemented by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), was inaugurated on May 8 by Gazipur-5 MP AKM Fazlul Haque Milon. The Tk 63.35 million contract was awarded to Dhaka-based Messrs Idris Construction.

A recent visit to the area found large potholes filled with rainwater, while construction materials were stacked at a few locations but workers were absent from most sections. Rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, motorcycles and other vehicles were seen navigating the damaged road with difficulty.

Local auto-rickshaw drivers Osman Sarkar and Akhtar Hossain said the road's condition had deteriorated after construction began.

"The road was in better condition before. Only a few spots were damaged, but now the entire road has become difficult to use," they said, urging the contractor to complete the work quickly.

Motorcyclist Mahfuzur Rahman, easy-bike driver Eshak and pedestrian Ebaidullah said the road is widely used by students, farmers, traders, office workers and ambulances, and its current condition has increased travel time, vehicle damage and the risk of accidents.

Jamalpur Union Parishad Chairman Khairul Alam said the project had been awarded through a tender process and work was under way.

Contacted for comment, contractor Emran Hossain, proprietor of Messrs Idris Construction, said the site supervisor would provide details later but did not identify the person responsible before ending the call.

Upazila Engineer Md Rezaul Haque said continuous rainfall had slowed the project but the contractor had been instructed to speed up the work.

"We have already issued two written notices asking the contractor to complete the project as quickly as possible," he said.

Gazipur Roads and Highways Department Executive Engineer Md Imdadul Haque said he would review the project's progress and investigate any allegations of negligence.

Kaliganj Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) ATM Kamrul Islam said the administration was aware of the issue and would discuss it with the local MP to ensure the project is completed without unnecessary delay.