Photo: Messenger
Residents in Chilmari of Kurigram, have been grappling with numerous irregularities surrounding the construction of two crucial roads, leading to growing frustration and inconvenience due to prolonged delays. These allegations have primarily centered around the contractors and officials responsible for the road projects.
Despite this timeline, it is evident that the progress has been sluggish, with some locations showing only 20-30% completion. Local residents have reported that the work that has been done appears to be subpar, with concerns about the quality of materials used. In some instances, it was observed that low-quality sand and gravel were used, and bamboo poles replaced palisading, leading to road narrowing and inadequate drainage systems.
The road construction, initiated under the Rural Infrastructure Development Project (RIDP-3), was planned for the fiscal year 2022-23. It aimed to pave a 1,170-meter stretch of road from the Thanahat Forest Office in Chilmari to Rajarvita, encompassing two 32-feet-wide roads. Two local contractors, Palash Shimul Traders and M/s Swapneel Enterprises of Kurigram, were awarded the contracts to construct culverts and roads. However, the works were scheduled to commence on September 21, 2022, with a completion target of September 20 of the following year.
Mozammel Haque, a resident of Nayabari village, expressed dissatisfaction when requesting concrete poles instead of bamboo ones, highlighting the apparent neglect of quality. Others, such as Abu Bakar Siddique, Sabuj Mia, Sekender Ali, and Darog Ali from Deepgram, echoed these concerns about the use of substandard materials and the resulting hardships faced by pedestrians.
The road from Dijendranath's house to Putimari Kajldanga Mauza road has its share of issues as well. Poor quality bricks and sand were discovered in the vicinity, and only one culvert was constructed as stipulated, leaving two unfinished. Palisading near ponds, another important aspect of the project, was also left incomplete.
This substandard work and the delays in completion have raised the ire of the community. Many have expressed their frustration, emphasizing that the suffering caused by the lack of progress on these roads is mounting. Despite attempts to hold the contractor accountable and ensure the use of quality materials, progress remains slow.
Deputy Assistant Engineer Sher Ali has taken steps to address the quality concerns by initiating testing and intends to extend working hours to expedite the projects. Upazila Engineer Md. Ferozeur Rahman, while acknowledging the delays, reassured the community that the work would be completed by extending the timeline. He emphasized that there would be no concessions granted to the contractor for the delays, and the work must meet the expected standards.
In Chilmari, these road construction issues have not only inconvenienced locals but also spotlighted the need for better oversight and accountability in similar infrastructure projects. Residents remain hopeful that these concerns will be addressed promptly, ensuring the completion of the roads to a high standard and alleviating their transportation woes.
Messenger/Fardin
