Dilapidated bridge puts residents at risk in Daudkandi

A bridge over the Bazar Khola canal in the Harinabaj-Boro Bhabanipur area of Panchgachia West Union in Daudkandi, Cumilla, has remained in a dilapidated condition for years, forcing local residents to cross it at considerable risk.

The central pillar of the bridge reportedly sank about five years ago, causing cracks to develop in the structure.

Several parts of the bridge have since deteriorated, but no major repair or reconstruction work has yet been carried out.

A recent visit found CNG-run auto-rickshaws and other vehicles using the damaged bridge, while pedestrians also crossed it despite visible signs of deterioration. Many commuters appeared apprehensive while crossing, fearing an accident at any time.

Daudkandi Upazila Engineer Md Zahidul Islam said the engineering office was aware of the bridge’s condition.”A proposal for reconstruction has been sent to the concerned department, highlighting the need to build a new bridge. The matter is now under consideration by the higher authorities,” he said.

He added that seven to eight other bridges in different parts of Daudkandi were currently in a seriously vulnerable condition. Information on those bridges had also been collected and sent to the concerned department.

Besides, around 70 bridges suitable for repair have been identified, and a list has been sent to the headquarters, he said.

“Once the necessary approval is received, repair work on the bridges will be undertaken in phases,” Zahidul Islam said.

According to local residents, people from 15 to 16 villages in Panchgachia West Union, as well as residents of neighbouring unions, regularly use the road. Students, children, elderly people and patients are among those facing the greatest difficulties.

Students of schools, colleges and madrasas have to cross the bridge every day. Families also face anxiety when taking critically ill patients or pregnant women to hospitals by CNG-run auto-rickshaws or other vehicles.

Local residents, including Saheb Ali, Romana Khatun and Abu Sufian, said crossing the bridge with pregnant women and patients was particularly difficult. They urged the authorities to repair the bridge or construct a new one without further delay.