The construction of a bridge, with an estimated cost of around TK 8 crore, remains unfinished even after a prolonged two-and-a-half-year period. The project's timeline was not met, necessitating an extension of the construction schedule.
Local residents voice their grievances, blaming the construction company for abandoning the project prematurely. This has inflicted hardships on thousands of farmers hailing from at least ten surrounding villages.
These farmers find themselves navigating through their crop fields daily, leading to a surge in production costs, coupled with the unfortunate reality that they are not receiving equitable compensation for their harvests.
One such bridge is situated in the Ganir Ghat area of Char Kur-Lia in Pabna's Ishwardi upazila.
According to sources within the Pabna LGED office, the work order for this 96-meter-long bridge's construction was issued on April 4, 2021, with an initial completion target set for October 8, 2022. However, the contractor failed to meet the agreed-upon timeline, prompting an extension of the construction period until December 18 of the same year.
Yet, concerns linger among the local populace that even by December, the bridge's construction may remain incomplete.
At least 20,000 farmers, hailing from the ten adjacent villages, rely on crop cultivation for their livelihoods. With a dearth of vehicular access, production costs soar, while fair market prices for their agricultural yield remain elusive. The frustration is palpable due to the abrupt cessation of bridge construction.
Said Ali, Abul Fazal, and other farmers from Char Kur-Lia village shared their collective exasperation, "The contractor has left the bridge in an unfinished state. A small canal beneath the bridge collects water during the monsoon season, impeding movement. People are compelled to travel by foot to reach their fields and transport their crops. Consequently, production costs are escalating, and we receive inadequate compensation. The completion date of the bridge remains a mystery."
Nuruzzaman Khokon, the contractor overseeing the bridge's construction, clarified, "Our inability to conclude the bridge construction is attributed to the rising costs of construction materials. This compelled us to extend the construction timeline once. We anticipate recommencing work within a month and aim to finalize the project by December."
Anisur Rahman Mondol, the executive engineer at Pabna LGED, remarked, "The failure to adhere to the stipulated construction timeline led to a single extension of the project period until December, in response to the contractor's application. A letter has been issued, urging the contractor to expedite the work. We hold high hopes that the contractor will successfully complete the project as per the extended deadline."
