6 years on, Gani’s Ghat Bridge still unusable
The construction of a bridge at Gani’s Ghat in the remote Charkurulia area of Lakshmikunda Union in Ishwardi upazila of Pabna has yet to be completed, even after six years.
Although the main structure of the bridge, built at a cost of nearly Tk 7.5 crore, has recently been completed, no approach roads have yet been constructed on either side.
Meanwhile, cracks and signs of damage have appeared at several points on the bridge, raising questions about its durability and construction quality even before its inauguration.
As there are no approach roads, the bridge is currently of no practical use to local residents or vehicles. As a result, nearly 40,000 people living on both sides of the bridge are suffering immensely.
Attempts were made to contact ICL Private Limited for its comment, but no official of the contracting firm could be reached.
However, LGED Pabna Executive Engineer Monirul Islam said they were aware of the current condition of the bridge. He assured that necessary and effective measures would be taken soon following an investigation.
According to the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), construction of the bridge over a branch of the Padma River at Gani’s Ghat began in early 2021 to ease the long-standing suffering of residents of several villages in the Charkurulia area. The initial estimated cost of the project was Tk 7,04,13,749. The construction work was awarded to ICL Private Limited, a contracting firm based in Jashore.
As the contractor failed to complete the work within the stipulated time, the deadline was extended three times. Along with the extension of the project period, the cost also increased by nearly Tk 50 lakh. Eventually, the total construction cost of the bridge stood at Tk 7,49,49,833.
After construction proceeded at a slow pace for nearly six years, the main structure of the bridge was recently completed. However, local residents have expressed anger and concern after cracks and damage appeared at several points even before the bridge could be inaugurated.
Local residents alleged that construction work had progressed slowly from the very beginning. They also alleged that substandard construction materials were used, resulting in cracks and damage to different parts of the bridge.
According to them, the current condition of the bridge makes it look like an old and dilapidated structure that has been in use for many years.
During a visit to the site on Friday ,this correspondent found that although the main structure of the bridge had been completed, no approach roads had yet been constructed on either side. As a result, the bridge has not become usable for transportation. Vehicles cannot cross it, and even local residents are unable to use the bridge normally.
As the bridge remains unusable, farmers in the area have to travel an additional five kilometres to transport their agricultural produce to markets. This is increasing both travel time and transportation costs.
Local residents have demanded an impartial investigation into any alleged irregularities or corruption in the bridge construction. They also called for action against the contractor and relevant officials if any wrongdoing is found.
At the same time, they urged the authorities to construct proper approach roads as soon as possible and make the bridge suitable for public use.
