Photo: Messenger
The Bir Nibas' housing project for destitute freedom fighters in Chilmari, Kurigram, has faced a halt for over seven months, causing frustration among the beneficiaries.
Despite repeated instructions to the contractor company from concerned officials under the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, progress remains stagnant.
Initiated as part of the fiscal year 2021-2022 (2nd phase) plan, the construction of 35 Bir Nibas' in Chilmari Upazila aimed to provide housing for poor heroic freedom fighters, with an estimated cost of 14 lakh 8 thousand 266 taka for each house. The construction was divided into 7 packages, each consisting of 5 houses, and executed through 7 contractors. While some houses have been completed, complaints have surfaced regarding the delay in completing the Ramna Model Union houses.
Specifically, work on five houses under package number 6 in Ramna Model Union has been stagnant for more than seven months. Rezwan Ali Chilmari, the contractor responsible for this package, has been unresponsive despite numerous notifications. The affected area, Ramana Farm, reveals visible shortcomings in the construction, such as the absence of rods on the roof and the use of low-quality materials.
Complaints include incomplete brickwork up to the lintel and walls, with plaster falling off due to poor construction. Many freedom fighter families, anticipating new homes, have demolished their old dwellings but find themselves living in temporary tin sheds or others' houses due to the unfulfilled promises of timely completion.
Jahangir Alam, a brave freedom fighter from Ramna Union, expressed his frustration after eight months of ongoing construction on his house. He cited the use of low-quality materials despite repeated requests for improvements. Living in his son's house due to the delay, he emphasized the risks he faces without a completed residence.
Another freedom fighter, Ishaq from Ramna Farm, recounted the government's allotment of a hero residence seven months ago. However, construction stopped six months ago without any information from the contractor. Despite multiple complaints to authorities, he received no satisfactory response.
Rezwan Ali, the contractor, attributed the delay to the work being assigned to one person, promising a restart if the work doesn't commence promptly.
The Upazila project implementation officer, Mosharraf Hossain, acknowledged efforts to prompt the contracting company through oral and written communication for a swift completion of the project.
Messenger/Sun Yath
