Photo: Messenger
The damaged of a bridge over the Nalka and Naoda Shalua canals in Raiganj upazila of Sirajganj has plunged the public into distress. The bridge, crucial for connecting the upazila, has halted the movement of heavy vehicles on its eastern side, leaving locals with no choice but to navigate bamboo scaffolding, causing significant inconvenience.
Sources reveal that the bridge, constructed several years ago, has been unstable for the past five years. Recently, a portion of the bridge collapsed under the weight of trucks transporting soil from a local brick kiln, exacerbating the situation. While light vehicles like autorickshaws and vans can still traverse the bridge, the increasing number of damaged sections has left approximately 40 villages, including the union, grappling with the aftermath.
To mitigate the crisis, villagers have taken it upon themselves to facilitate the movement of light vehicles by laying bamboo scaffolding on the broken parts of the bridge. However, the precarious nature of this makeshift solution poses risks to those crossing, prompting urgent calls for the renovation or reconstruction of the Nalka-Shalua Bridge.
Abdul Aziz, a local UP member, highlights the perilous conditions faced by commuters and the lack of action from higher authorities despite repeated notifications. The situation particularly affects students of educational institutions, who are at risk of potential disasters if the bridge collapses unexpectedly.
Rafiqul Islam Nannu, Chairman of Pangasi Union Parishad, emphasizes the urgency of finding a permanent solution to the bridge issue, considering the significant volume of traffic it accommodates. Stakeholders have been informed, urging swift action towards the construction of a modern replacement bridge.
Raiganj Upazila Engineer, Abdul Latif, confirms that all relevant information regarding the bridge has been forwarded to the local government engineering department, with hopes for prompt implementation of necessary measures.
Mohammad Nahid Hasan Khan, Raiganj Upazila Executive Officer (UNO), reassures the public that the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has been notified following a thorough inspection of the bridge. Efforts are underway to alleviate the hardships faced by residents, promising swift resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Messenger/Disha
