For 11 years, half a million people have been suffering from unplanned bridges

Dec 3, 2022 05:44 226

For 11 years, half a million people have been suffering from unplanned bridges
For 11 years, half a million people have been suffering from unplanned bridges

Mesbah Khaled.

About 50,000 people are suffering due to the unplanned bridge constructed by the Roads and Public Ways Department (SOAZ) at Sitakunda. The location of the bridge is in the market area of ​​Sitakunda town center on the Dhaka-Chittagong highway. Due to this bridge in the road and the township, the local people get waterlogged during monsoons. It also creates obstacles in the movement of market vehicles. Except for CNG, autorickshaws, vans, any vehicle above 7 feet is blocked. More than 50,000 residents of Sitakunda Municipality and the two unions are suffering endlessly due to the unplanned bridge.

Locals said that they have been suffering from various problems for 11 years due to this unplanned bridge of low height. As the road is the main road to go to Guliyakhali beach, the natural beauty of Sitakunda, the area is full of tourists throughout the year. Tourists who come from far and wide have to face difficulties when they go under this bridge by minibus.

Residents said that due to this low height bridge, even fire service vehicles cannot enter through this route. It takes a long time to become an alternative. When there is a fire in the area, houses and shops are burnt to ashes before the arrival of fire service personnel. Apart from this, the bridge in Namar Bazar area has also become a major disaster for those who are living temporarily in shifting their homes.

A local resident named Idris Mia said, "We endure indescribable hardships during the monsoon season." At this time, the residents of Sitakunda became waterlogged due to the Bazar Bridge. Along with school students, the daily activities of people of various classes and professions came to a standstill at this time. And the place remains dusty even in the dry season. There are big potholes all over the road. However, there is no response from the concerned authorities to solve this problem of the bridge.

Convenor of Sitakunda Reporters Club, journalist Yusuf Khan said, the busiest road in Sitakunda municipality is Namar Bazaar. Small size and low height vehicles can easily move through this road. But due to this low height bridge located in the bus stand area of ​​Dhaka-Chittagong highway, fire service vehicles cannot pass. As a result, about half a million people of Sitakunda suffered. Due to unplanned bridges on roads and public roads, common pedestrians including drivers have become cornered. Locals suffer endlessly, especially during monsoons. Due to this, local businessmen have to suffer economically. Many lost their jobs due to absenteeism. We want to resolve this quickly.

In this regard, Chittagong Division Executive Engineer Pintu Chakma said, I am not aware of the bridge. I will know if I visit. Hopefully, then a decision can be reached.

khaled / postcard;