Mirzaganj (Patuakhali) Correspondent
A 30-year-old iron bridge in Mirzaganj of Patuakhali suddenly collapsed and fell into the canal beneath it, cutting off communication with seven villages in the area. Around 10,000 people, including farmers, workers and students of the area, are suffered a lot due to this.
The iron bridge over the Chatra canal on Chatra-Charkhali road of the upazila collapsed on last Thursday night (June 17). The communication system of the area is now closed due to the collapse of the bridge.
Locals said the bridge had been at risk for several years. The iron angles under the bridge rusted and broke long ago. Due to the heavy rain in the last few days, the bridge suddenly collapsed due to the softening of the slabs of the bridge.
However, no casualties were reported in the accident. Locals said they had been demanding reconstruction of the old and dilapidated bridge for the past few years. However, concerned authorities did not pay any heed to their demand.
Due to the collapse of the bridge, the locals are now compelled to travel an additional 3 to 4 km to reach the Upazila Sadar. It is a waste of both time and money. The locals are suffering immensely as vehicles are unable to enter the area. The local farmers, workers and students, including the working people are in huge trouble.
They also said that this road connecting Upazila Sadar to the seven villages is used by about 10,000 people of Uttar Chatra and Dakshin Chatra. Local villagers demanded the construction of a new bridge as soon as possible in the place of the collapsed iron bridge.
Upazila Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department Sheikh Azim Ur-Rashid said ancillary work including soil testing has been completed for construction of bridge over Chatra canal. A new bridge will be constructed soon after inviting tenders.
Mirzaganj Upazila Chairman Khan Mohammad Abu Bakar Siddiqui said alternative measures would be taken to facilitate the movement of locals. There are more than 400 risky bridges in the upazila including the broken bridge. The concerned department will be informed about the demolition and construction of these bridges so that the bridges can be constructed quickly.
