The 'Faitong-Lama' road in Lama Upazila, Bandarban, has fallen victim to the relentless heavy rains of this monsoon season.
Stretching over 19.5 kilometers, this vital roadway has experienced substantial landslides at nine critical points and more than ten other locations.
Constructed under the supervision of LGED Lama, this road has been instrumental in creating a new link between Lama Upazila, Cox's Bazar, and Chattogram.
Thanks to this road, the distance between Lama and Chakriya has been notably reduced by 10.5 kilometers. Recently, when the main Lama-Chakaria Road became
impassable due to severe flooding and landslides, approximately 300,000 residents from Lama and Alikadam upazilas turned to this road as an alternative route.
Concerns have been raised by locals who fear that without the installation of safety guide walls at vulnerable spots, the road may succumb to further damage, disrupting communication between Lama Upazila Sadar and Faitong Union.
Evidently, significant damage has already surfaced in areas such as Badratila, Minjhiri, Brickfield, and Raimakhola along the road. Some sections have already collapsed, prompting LGED Lama to initiate temporary reinforcements to avert further deterioration.
However, local authorities, including Phaitong Union Jubo League President Twaichanu Marma, have expressed their doubts about the adequacy of these measures.
Residents, including individuals like Syed Alam and Nurul Islam from the Faitong Raimakhola area, have attested to the road's positive impact. They explained how this road has reduced travel time to Lama Upazila Sadar to just 20 to 25 minutes, resulting in significant time and cost savings. They fervently appeal for its preservation to ensure uninterrupted connectivity.
Moreover, the 'Faitong-Lama' road has transformed formerly inaccessible hilly lands in Phaitong Union into productive farmlands, where vegetables are cultivated and supplied to various regions, meeting the demands of Lama and neighboring Chakaria upazila.
Md. Omar Farooq, Chairman of the local Union Parishad, acknowledged the challenges brought about by heavy rains, which caused multiple disruptions along the Lama-Faitong Road.
He assured that the Union Parishad promptly intervened, clearing away the soil to restore communication at several points. He emphasized the need for comprehensive repairs to address the damaged sections adequately.
Engaging with the situation, Abu Hanif, the LGED Lama Upazila Engineer, disclosed ongoing efforts to fortify vulnerable sections through the installation of retaining walls.
He also revealed that a proposal for the construction of a permanent guide wall has been submitted to ensure the road's long-term stability and security.
As the monsoon season persists, the 'Faitong-Lama' road's restoration remains a priority for the local community and authorities alike, with hopes set on enduring solutions to protect this vital lifeline.
