Delayed drainage, road projects leave Raipur residents suffering

 
RAIPUR, LAXMIPUR, Aug 9:  Several road and drainage projects worth crores of taka in Raipur Municipality have remained incomplete for months, causing severe hardship for residents despite repeated directives to contractors to speed up the work.

A major drainage project in Ward 1 has remained unfinished for nearly three years, although its deadline expired more than a year ago.

The slow progress has caused water-logging and disrupted movement. More than 10 people have reportedly been injured after falling into excavated sections of the under-construction drains, while two have reportedly become permanently disabled.

Under the Urban Governance and Infrastructure Improvement Project (IUGIP), Raipur Municipality initiated construction of two modern drainage systems in 2023 �" one from Notun Bazar to the Women’s College and another from Thana Mor to Nardama.

Three packages for the Notun Bazar-Women’s College section were awarded at around Tk 12.60 crore, while a separate work order worth Tk 16.57 crore was issued for drainage and road construction from Thana Mor to Nardama.

Messrs Rahman Engineering was assigned the Notun Bazar-Women’s College section. Although the deadline expired in June 2024, the contractor completed only part of the work and reportedly received around Tk 3 crore in payments.

Work has since largely stalled. Even light rain causes water-logging, while open drains pose a risk to pedestrians.

Dockyard and Engineering Works, responsible for the Thana Mor-Nardama section, has also been accused of slow progress despite repeated instructions from the municipality.

Excavation has left several sections of the roads difficult to use. Many areas lack safety barriers and warning signs, increasing accident risks, particularly at night and during rain.

Students, women, elderly people and other residents have to use the roads every day despite the risks.

Residents said they had repeatedly complained to the authorities but had yet to see an effective solution.

Meanwhile, road construction in front of Jhaudgi Government Primary School in Char Ababil Union has also reportedly remained stalled for about a month.

The contractor excavated the road and dumped some sand there, but no significant progress has been made since.

The road is an important access route to the school. With the road excavated and work suspended, teachers, students and local residents are struggling to travel.

The road becomes muddy after even light rain, making it difficult for students to reach school. Parents fear a serious accident could occur.

Raipur Upazila LGED Engineer Suman Munsi said the monsoon was affecting construction.

“It is the rainy season. Water accumulates on the road after rainfall, making construction somewhat difficult. I have instructed the contractor to drain the water. We are trying to complete the work quickly,” he said.

Attempts to contact Gulzar Traders, the contractor responsible for the road work, were unsuccessful as calls went unanswered.

Raipur Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Raipur Municipality Administrator Mehedi Hasan Kawsar said contractors had repeatedly been instructed to complete the projects quickly.

“Contractors have been issued several letters over alleged irregularities and negligence. Lakshmipur-2 MP Abul Khair Bhuiyan has also issued strict instructions to them,” he said.

He said work naturally slows during the monsoon but added that the administration was making efforts to complete the projects as soon as possible.

Abul Khair Bhuiyan said the condition of roads and infrastructure in the area was extremely poor.