An idle bridge over the Kaliganga River in Singjuri Union under Ghior Upazila, remains inaccessible to locals, surrounded by agricultural land. Photo: Messenger
A bridge, constructed over the Kaliganga River in Singjuri Union within Ghior Upazila of the district, has remained unused since its completion two years ago due to the absence of approach roads, causing immense hardship for the residents of 50 villages.
The bridge, funded under the 'Critical Bridge on Rural Roads (CIBRR)' project at a cost of Tk 34 crores, stands idle amidst agricultural land on both ends, rendering it inaccessible for the local population.
The bridge, spanning 365 meters, was built with the hope of easing communication between Ghior upazila and the district headquarters. However, the complexity of land acquisition has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the construction of the 630-meter connecting road, essential for the bridge to serve its purpose. This has left at least 50 villages on both banks of the river vulnerable, as they continue to risk crossing the river without the safety and convenience of a proper road.
The project, initially slated for completion in February 2020, has faced two extensions, with the latest deadline set for February 2022. Despite these extensions, the victims of land acquisition and construction compensation have yet to receive their due payments, even after two years. The local landowners and establishments have expressed frustration, stating that despite repeated protests, the concerned department has failed to address their grievances and disburse the compensation money.
Residents of Baikunthapur village lament that despite the completion of the bridge, they have been unable to utilize it, as the connecting road on both sides remains unbuilt. The bridge, meant to be a symbol of progress and convenience, has become a source of frustration for the riverside community.
Sources from the Upazila LGED office reveal that work orders for the construction of the bridge and connecting roads were issued to two companies in Dhaka in 2018. According to the tender, the project was supposed to be completed by February 2020, but delays due to land acquisition complications have pushed the deadline back.
The manager of the contracting company, Masud Mia, blames the LGED department for not resolving land issues, leading to repeated obstructions by landowners and halting the progress of the project.
Habibur Rahman of Baliabadha village suggests that had the land been acquired before the construction of the bridge, the project could have been completed without the current delays and complications. He also emphasizes the importance of compensating the landowners promptly to avoid such delays in the future.
Upazila Engineer Mohammad Ashraful Islam Bhuiyan assures that once the compensation checks are distributed among the affected landowners, the contractor will promptly initiate the work on the connecting road.
The Manikganj District Revenue Deputy Collector (RDC), Senior Assistant Commissioner Mamunur Rashid, has announced that section 7 notices have been issued to the landowners and that the District Commissioner will soon distribute compensation checks.
The community eagerly awaits the completion of the connecting road, which is expected to not only provide a safe passage for the residents but also enhance the communication network in the area. The delay in the project has highlighted the challenges faced in infrastructure development, especially in rural areas, where land acquisition and compensation issues often become major hurdles.
Messenger/Disha
