People suffer for deplorable road in Manikganj

DOT Desk
People have been suffering much for long due to deplorable condition of a five-kilometre long road in Sadar Upazila of the district,reports The Daily Observer.
Thousands of people of Rajibpur, Barahir Char, Gazipara, Dakkhin Makimpur, Paschim Char Makimpur and Gabtoli villages alleged that though the road has remained damaged for long, the concerned authority is not paying any heed to it. Concerned sources said two sides of the Manpura Bridge at Motaleb Mollar Kheya Ghat under No. 4 Ward of Krishnapur Union in the upazila which was built by Local Government Engineering Department have become risky. Besides, another bridge at Notun Bazaar under No. 5 Makimpur Ward and one medium and two small bridges under No. 4 Ward of Manikganj Municipality have remained deplorable for long. Local people said the road was built several years back, but as carpeting was removed, numerous potholes were created. As a result, light vehicles like battery- and CNG-run auto-rickshaws, rickshaws, vans, motorcycles and bi-cycles are moving by the road amid risk.
An easy-bike driver Md Ali said, “I have been driving on this road for last five years. For last two years, the road and the bridges are in deplorable state. I have to unload passengers from my vehicle before getting on the bridges. Sometimes, the vehicle’s parts become damaged. Two solar lights on two sides of the bridge come of no use. Besides, the potholes are not visible at night though the vehicle has light. So, accidents happen very often.”
A motorcyclist Abdur Rashid said, “Accidents occur here very often. I also faced an accident several days back.”
Md Alamgir of Barahir Char said, “I am a farmer. I cultivate potato and maize. I have to pay Taka 250 to 300 against per maund to carry the products to market. Due to deplorable condition of the bridge, I have to suffer much while carrying the products to market. As there is darkness at night, hijacking happens near the bridge very often. In this connection, I have filed a general diary with Sadar Police Station.”
A local van puller said, “The road from Manpura Bridge till Shibbari is deplorable. I have to suffer much for pulling van. It takes three to four hours instead of one and a half hours to go to a local haat. We have to charge extra from passengers as there is no alternative.”
A student Omar Faruk of Makimpur Notun Bazaar said, “I read at Debendra College. I have to go to the college by easy-bike. As the road is deplorable, it takes about an hour instead of 20 minutes to go there. About 300 students of my area also suffer much for going to and return from respective educational institutions.”
While asked, Chairman of Krishnapur Union Parishad Biplob Hossen Selim said, “The tender for repairing the road and the bridge has been passed. We hope that the work will start after the next Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Election.”
While asked, Manikganj Municipality Panel Chairman and Councillor of No. 4 Ward Arshed Ali Biswas said, the project for repairing the road has been approved, and the repair work will start after the JS Election.