Tk 1.47cr embankment collapses within 6 weeks 

TALTALI, BARGUNA, Nov 6: An embankment built at a cost of Tk 1.47 crore to protect areas along the Payra River in Taltali Upazila has partially collapsed within just six weeks, putting 15 villages at risk of flooding.

The damage has raised concerns over the quality of the work and possible irregularities in the project implemented by the Water Development Board (WDB).

The project involved repairing a 590-metre stretch of embankment and dumping geo-bags in the Tetulbaria-Nalbunia area of Nishanbaria union.

According to WDB sources, four contractors -- Popular Construction, RS Construction, Sohel Enterprise and Moni Traders - carried out the work under five packages at a cost of Tk 1.47 crore. The project was completed on September 21.

Local residents alleged that the contractors used substandard materials despite repeated protests. They claimed that the geo-bags were filled with inadequate amounts of sand and stones, with soil also used in some bags.

They further alleged that excavators were used to collect soil from the riverbank beside the embankment, weakening its foundation.

During a visit to the area on November 2, around 300 metres of geo-bag protection had already disappeared into the river.

Cracks had also developed along nearly 200 metres of the flood-control embankment.

Local residents Mohammad Babul Howlader, Mohammad Hasan Mia and Mohammad Nur-Alam Matubbar alleged that contractors, in collusion with dishonest WDB officials, had repeatedly misappropriated public funds.

They said a breach could allow river water to inundate 15 villages, including Tetulbaria, Baro Ankujan, Nalbunia and Agapara, damaging homes, croplands and fish enclosures.

The residents said thousands of people were spending sleepless nights fearing that their homes and livelihoods could be washed away at any moment.

Contacted, Limon, proprietor of Popular Construction, blamed the river mouth for the damage.

Russel, Proprietor of RS Construction, acknowledged that part of the embankment had developed a risk of collapse and promised to carry out repairs within a week.

The owners of Sohel Enterprise and Moni Traders could not be reached for comment.

WDB Executive Engineer Mohammad Abdul Hannan Pradhan said the erosion was starting from the riverbed, making geo-bag protection ineffective.

He said a Development Project Proposal (DPP) had been sent for a sustainable solution.

However, local residents questioned why Tk 1.47 crore was spent on the project without ensuring its durability.

They demanded an investigation into the alleged irregularities and exemplary punishment for those responsible, warning of tougher protests if action was not taken.