Chandnaish residents suffer as alternative road collapses

The collapse of the alternative road in Satbaria, Chandnaish, has caused severe suffering for the local residents. The situation has escalated due to the construction of a girder bridge at Bogartek, connecting Bhagbanhat to Ashraf Muhurihat road within the Satbaria Union of Chandnaish Upazila in Chattogram. This construction, intended to improve transportation infrastructure, has, unfortunately, led to significant inconveniences for the local population.

The roads, which were initially meant to provide an alternative route for the residents, have been poorly constructed, primarily due to the negligence of the contracted construction company. Regrettably, the recent flooding completely destroyed this alternative route, compounding the woes of the people in the region. Among the worst affected by this situation are the students attending East Satbaria Bhumukhi High School, Hajir Para Government Primary School, Satbaria Bar Auliya Madrasa, and residents of Hajir Para, Polia Para, Nagar Para, and Ashraf Mahuri Haat.

For the construction of the sole bridge facilitating water movement in the expansive Satbaria Union region, a contractor named Ismail was awarded the contract by the Directorate of Engineering of the local government. Ismail received a total of 5 crore 99 lakh 9 thousand 560 rupees for this project. However, the current state of affairs suggests that the construction may not have met the required standards or the expectations of the local community.

In response to the plight of the local population, members of the community have taken it upon themselves to construct a makeshift bridge using bamboo and betel nut trees. This grassroots effort highlights the urgency and desperation felt by the residents of Satbaria who are in dire need of a reliable and safe mode of transportation.

Upon contacting Upazila LGED Engineer Junaid Abshar Chowdhury, it was acknowledged that due to the challenging water conditions, the construction of the intended 35-meter girder bridge would take some time to complete. However, he stressed the importance of urgently addressing the transportation crisis faced by the people of Satbaria. It is clear that a strong and sustainable transportation solution is imperative to alleviate the suffering of the local community. Engineer Chowdhury assured that necessary steps are being taken to address the situation and provide relief to those affected.