Mirzaganj Correspondent
Large potholes have been created on the Chaita-Chakarkhali road adjacent to the Bakerganj-Barguna highway at Mirzaganj in Patuakhali. On August 2, a 5-6 feet wide hole was created on both sides of the road one kilometer in front of the Chaita junction. Thousands of people in several road users have suffered due to potholes on this important road. Local youths posted pictures of potholes on the road and posted the problem on Facebook.
On Tuesday, auto-rickshaw drivers, at their own expense, threw wooden logs over the hole and somehow drove small vehicles on the road at risk. Multiple pedestrians on the road said that the holes were created due to heavy rains for several days and rising tidal water of Chaita canal adjacent to the road. At first the holes were in a small range. Later, when it rained heavily, rainwater accumulated on the road and water flowed through holes, disrupting communication.
Auto-rickshaw driver Kabir Mridha said no vehicle including battery-powered auto-rickshaws, motorized vehicles and vans could move as the road was broken due to holes on both sides. The passengers were in extreme distress. Last Tuesday, the auto drivers were getting out of the car with wooden sticks to maintain the road. No large vehicles can pass through the wooden logs though.
Shamim Mia, a trader of Chakarkhali Bazar, said that no vehicle carrying goods could pass through this road. If the holes in the road are not filled with sand or soil within a day or two, no vehicle will be able to come to this market with daily necessities.
Khaleq Mia, a farmer in the area, said if the road was not repaired by filling the potholes, tidal water would inundate the aman seeds and crops.
Upazila Engineer (LGED) Sheikh Azim-ur-Rashid said the road estimate has been prepared under GoB maintenance. The road will be renovated soon after completion of other activities including tenders.
