3 bridges lie dilapidated for years
Travel on highway a risky proposition
Our Correspondent, Jhenidah
Thousands of people of Jhenaidah and other districts have been suffering as three bridges on the Jhenaidah-Kushtia highway urgently need repairs. Travelling on the bridges is a risky business, both for pedestrians and vehicles.
With the authorities showing no initiative, local people have come forward and repaired railings on the bridges, albeit in a makeshift way with bamboos.
Ekram Uddin, a resident of Garaganj in Shailkupa upazila of the district, said railings of the Garaganj bridge was damaged when a truck dashed against it about two years back. Within a few months, a three-wheeler fell into the Kali River, injuring two passengers.
The matter was brought to the notice of the authorities, but no measures were taken. Not to be taken back, locals repaired the railing with bamboos.
But, as expected, the temporary measure was damaged within a few days, Ekram Uddin said.
Ashraf Ali, anther resident of the area, said three bridges out of eight on the Jhenaidah-Kushtia highway have been damaged for long.
The railings of a bridge at the western end of Garaganj Bazar collapsed long ago and is yet to be repaired.
Some farmers of the area said they carry vegetables and other crops in vehicles to markets with great risk. If this is not done, their produce will start rotting after a certain time.
Railings of another bridge at Garakahola-Moheshpur collapsed long ago but has not been repaired, locals said.
Taizul Islam, a trucker, said vehicles and pedestrians have been moving on the bridges with risk.
Rafiqul Islam, executive engineer of the roads and highways department in Jhenaidah Division, said they have been informed about the matter and will invite tenders soon.
