‘Irregularities’ found in Tk 7cr bridge work

NOAKHALI, Sept 30: Allegations have emerged that wire was used instead of reinforcement bars and substandard materials were used in the construction of a Tk 7 crore bridge in Begumganj Upazila of Noakhali.

A video showing the alleged irregularities went viral on social media, triggering widespread criticism.

Following the allegations, the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) ordered the defective work to be demolished and reconstructed. 

The Begumganj Upazila Engineer has been transferred to Rangamati, while a sub-assistant engineer and a work assistant have been temporarily suspended.

A three-member committee has also been formed to investigate the incident.

According to LGED sources, construction of the 49.06-metre RCC bridge from Zamindarhat through Saheberhat and Hasanhat to the Maijdee Regional Highway began after its foundation stone was laid on October 28, 2023.

Messrs Haque Traders was initially awarded the work. After August 5, however, the project was handed over to contractor Md Farhad, according to the sources.

Local residents alleged that irregularities had been taking place since the beginning of the construction. Although the matter was reported to LGED, workers allegedly used thin wire instead of reinforcement bars and low-quality cement for the footpath slabs at night.

The slab subsequently collapsed when pedestrians stepped on it during the day. Similar problems were also found in the bridge railings, locals said.

Anik, a local resident, said irregularities had been taking place from the beginning.

“We complained repeatedly, but to no avail. They continued the work using wire instead of rebar,” he said.

Another resident, Hasan Sohel, said thousands of people from four unions would use the bridge.

Jugal Krishna Mondal, Executive Engineer of LGED Noakhali, said an inspection found the footpath slabs and railings to be substandard and not in accordance with the design. 

Mohammad Fazlul Haque, Proprietor of Messrs Haque Traders, said the work was being carried out under his firm's licence but that Farhad of Senbag and several others were executing it.

Contractor Md Farhad said some defects had occurred without his knowledge and were demolished in the presence of LGED officials.

Begumganj Upazila Engineer Abul Mansur Ahmed said he had joined the office only two months ago.