Photo : Messenger
Residents of Kurigram municipality area have been enduring significant challenges as a crucial concrete footbridge over the Hanagor canal along the Chamrargola-Velokopa road suffered partial collapse due to the relentless floodwaters in 2017. Regrettably, the necessary repairs have not been carried out to date, exacerbating the plight of the affected populace.
The footbridge, stretching approximately 50 feet, was originally constructed in 2013, serving as a vital passage for communities in Nama Velakopa, Tapu Velakopa, Jhakuapara villages, as well as Nawabash, Uttar Nawabash, and Kadamtala villages. These communities heavily rely on this route to access Kurigram town for various essential purposes. However, the failure to restore the bridge has left the inhabitants in a state of distress. Presently, only bicycles, motorbikes, and pedestrians are braving the risky crossing, while larger vehicles, such as rickshaws and auto-rickshaws, are prohibited from traversing the compromised structure.
In response to the dire circumstances, local residents have resorted to constructing makeshift passageways using wood and bamboo over the damaged sections, risking their safety to traverse the canal.
Abdul Karim, a 55-year-old resident of Nawabash village under the Pachgachi union, lamented the additional three-kilometer detour that residents must undertake, laden with goods, as an alternative route to Kurigram town after the bridge collapse.
Expressing the scale of the issue, Abdur Rashid, a 42-year-old shopkeeper from Char Velakopa village, highlighted that a staggering 2000 to 2200 individuals are compelled to make the treacherous journey across the partially collapsed bridge every day.
Jamsed Ali Tuku, the ward councilor of Kurigram municipality, emphasized the persistent communication challenges faced by a substantial number of people over the past six years. Despite multiple notifications to the relevant authorities, no significant actions have been taken to address the pressing issue.
Mayor Kaziul Islam of Kurigram municipality reiterated the matter's urgency, affirming that the concerned authorities have been duly notified. Assurances were made that repair work would commence promptly upon securing the necessary funding allocation.
Messenger/Rabbani/Disha
