Kamlong bridge work yet to start despite tender, contract

Construction of a new reinforced cement concrete (RCC) girder bridge at Kamlong in Kuhalong Union of Bandarban Sadar Upazila has yet to begin, although the tender process and contract were completed more than five months ago.

The delay has sparked concern among local residents, particularly after the recent devastating floods further weakened the existing bridge.

They fear the structure could collapse at any time, severing road communication between Kuhalong Union and Bandarban Sadar.

Hundreds of people, including students, patients, farmers and commuters, continue to cross the bridge daily during the monsoon despite its deteriorating condition.

Residents say minor and major accidents occur frequently and have expressed frustration over what they describe as the inaction of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) and the contractor.

According to LGED Executive Engineer Pratipada Dewan, a project worth approximately Tk 46.7 million was approved in the 2025-26 fiscal year to construct a 36-metre RCC girder bridge. Abchar Construction was awarded the contract, and an agreement was signed between the contractor and LGED on March 12, 2026.

Under the contract, the bridge is scheduled to be completed by May 5, 2027. However, more than five months after the agreement was signed, there has been no visible progress on the project.

Local resident Mong Thozaing Marma said the bridge had remained hazardous for years and its condition had worsened following the recent floods.

“People cross the bridge every day in fear. A major accident could happen at any moment, but construction has yet to begin,” he said.

Another resident, Sunil Marma, questioned why no work had started despite government funding and the completion of the tender and contract process.

“It appears no one is concerned about the suffering of local people. The authorities should act more responsibly,” he said.

Residents alleged that the delay was caused by negligence on the part of the contractor and inadequate supervision by LGED.

Kuhalong Union Parishad Chairman Mongpu said thousands of people were enduring hardship because construction had not begun.

“The recent floods have made the bridge even more dangerous. It is unfortunate that work has not started despite the allocation of government funds and the signing of the contract. Construction should begin immediately and be completed within the stipulated timeframe in the public interest,” he said.

Speaking to The New Nation, Bandarban Executive Engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Pratipada Dewan said the bridge would be built using high-quality Prestressed High Strength Concrete (PHSC) piles, which have to be transported from Mirsharai in Chattogram.

“Sourcing the materials has taken some time. However, we will instruct the contractor to start construction as soon as possible,” he said. Local residents questioned why the required materials had not been procured months after the contract was signed, particularly before the onset of the monsoon.

They urged the authorities to begin construction without further delay, warning that the bridge could collapse at any time, potentially causing casualties and cutting off the only important road link between Kuhalong Union and Bandarban Sadar.