LALMOHAN, BHOLA, Apr 22: There is a bridge of brick-cement; over it a pathway has been made by betel nut trees; and as railing, bamboos have been used.
This is the picture of a cemented bridge in Lalmohan Upazila of Bhola District.
The bridge is over Hachon Ali Khal (Canal) in Uttar Kalma area under Ward No. 2 at Kalma Union.
According to sources, the bridge was built in 2001. After few years of the construction, the bridge started to turn deplorable gradually. About five years back, holes appeared in the middle of the bridge. But due to lack of repairing, the bridge became more deplorable.
Two years back, most parts of the bridge suddenly collapsed into the canal.
Later on, locals made it fit for communication by betel nut trees and bamboos.
At least, 5,000 people of surrounding villages have been suffering communication problems due to this broken bridge.
A housewife, Usa Rani Mandal of Uttar Kalma area said, women are facing much trouble on the bridge; yet taking risk their use of the bridge is going on; children are facing the most trouble; over 50 children go to primary school passing the bridge; their guardians remain concerned of accidents.
A local, Manuranjan Kabiraj said, "We are using the bridge with risk. If the bridge is not repaired soon, the entire bridge will get into the canal."
A youth, Sabuj Mandal said, all types of vehicles including auto-rickshaws would move on the bridge before; now these are not moving.
"We demand a new bridge construction on an emergency basis," he added.
Kalma Union Chairman Md Aktar Hossain confirmed the risky condition of the bridge.
"I have contacted with the department concerned for building a new bridge. I was given assurance in this regard," he added.
Upazila Engineer Rajib Saha said, "Several bridges including this one are lying deplorable in the upazila. We have sent proposals to the authorities for re-building these bridges. If the proposal is passed and allocation granted, these will be re-constructed."
