Road at Rupganj collapses within month, remains waterlogged

RUPGANJ, NARAYANGANJ, Aug 8:  A road built at a cost of Tk 50 lakh has started collapsing at several points less than a month after it was opened, leaving residents of five villages in Rupganj struggling to travel.

The road, stretching from Nagarpara Bazar to a bridge over a canal, has also become waterlogged due to the absence of any drainage system or pipes in the market area. The situation has caused severe hardship for around 7,000 people in Nagarpara, Kajibari, Purbapara and three other villages.

Residents say they have to wade through stagnant, foul-smelling water for days, while children and elderly people are suffering from skin problems, including severe itching.

The road was constructed with government funding to improve communication in the area. However, residents alleged that poor-quality materials were used and that irregularities marred the project from the outset.

A visit to the area found several sections of the concrete road had already collapsed. The road is also regularly submerged after even light rainfall as rainwater, market waste and other debris accumulate because there is no proper drainage system.

At times, the water reportedly rises to waist level, making movement extremely difficult. Students, day labourers and service holders are among those facing serious problems commuting.

Residents also said vehicles cannot enter the villages when someone falls seriously ill. Patients have to be carried on makeshift stretchers or on people’s shoulders to reach a place where they can be taken to hospital.

Local residents said the problem could have been avoided if drainage pipes had been installed during construction.

“We have to walk through this water every day. My feet have started itching,” said Rahid and Rashid, students of Bright Shishu Kanan High School.

Abul Hashem, a local shopkeeper, said water had entered his shop, severely affecting his business.
Residents said they had repeatedly approached the relevant authorities seeking a solution but had received no effective response.

They demanded that those responsible for alleged irregularities be brought to justice and that the road be rebuilt immediately. They also called for a permanent drainage system to be installed.

They warned of tougher protests if their demands are not met.

Upazila Engineer Akhtar Hossain said he was unaware of the matter.

“I will look into it,” he said.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Saiful Islam said he had learned about the problem and that steps were being taken to resolve it quickly.