Contractor walks away, Tk 38cr road project stalls

A Tk 38-crore project to build 7.5 kilometres of approach roads to the Rajapur Bridge over the Manu River in Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar has remained stalled, with the contractor abandoning the work.

The bridge, constructed at a cost of Tk 34 crore, was completed about five years ago.

However, it remains largely unusable as the connecting roads on both sides are yet to be completed.

The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) has cancelled the work order issued to the contracting firm, Jamil Iqbal, for failing to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. The firm has also been fined Tk 3 crore.

Local residents said the unfinished approach roads had prolonged their travel difficulties, leaving them unable to enjoy the benefits of the bridge even years after its construction.

On November 4, around 100 residents submitted a written application to local MP Alhaj Shawkatul Islam Shoku, urging him to take steps to resume and complete the road construction.

According to the Moulvibazar RHD and local residents, the Rajapur PC Girder Bridge was built following longstanding demands and protests by residents of Prithimpasha, Hajipur and Sharifpur unions in southern Kulaura.

The project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). It included a 232.94-metre PC girder bridge at the 14th kilometre of the Kulaura-Prithimpasha-Hajipur-Sharifpur road, 7.5 kilometres of approach roads and land acquisition.

The total estimated project cost was Tk 99.17 crore.

A Sylhet-based joint venture, Janmabhumi-Wahiduzzaman-Nirmiti, received the contract for bridge construction at Tk 34 crore, with work beginning around June 2021.

Meanwhile, another Sylhet-based joint venture, Jamil-Iqbal, received the work order in 2020 to construct the 7.5-kilometre approach roads at a cost of Tk 38 crore.

Initially scheduled for completion by April 2022, the project deadline was extended three times due to various complications, including land acquisition problems.

The latest deadline was June 2026.

Former Prithimpasha Union Parishad chairman Abdul Latif said construction of the approach roads had remained suspended for a long time, causing hardship for people in the three unions.

He said completing the roads would significantly reduce travel time and distance for residents of Sharifpur and Hajipur travelling to Kulaura upazila headquarters.

It would also benefit Robirbazar and surrounding areas, boosting local trade and the transportation of agricultural products.

Former Hajipur Union Parishad chairman Abdul Basit Bachchu said the completed road network would also improve cross-border trade through the Chatlapur Checkpost.

Goods imported from Kailashahar in India could reach markets in Kulaura, Juri, Beanibazar and Barlekha more quickly. Similarly, fish from Hakaluki Haor and bricks produced at local kilns could be transported to India more efficiently.

He said the route would reduce travel distance by around 11.5 kilometres, lower transportation costs and commodity prices, and increase import-export activities through the Chatlapur Land Port, creating employment opportunities.

Hundreds of thousands of people in Kulaura and neighbouring upazilas are waiting for the bridge to become fully operational.

Contacted over the phone, Rahat Islam, site engineer of Jamil Iqbal, declined to provide details about the cancellation of the work order, saying senior officials of the firm and the RHD could explain the matter.

Al-Amin, a sub-assistant engineer at the Moulvibazar RHD, said the department had sent several letters to the contractor after work remained suspended for six months. As the firm did not respond, the department sought approval from the ministry to terminate the contract.

He said the work order had subsequently been cancelled and a Tk 3 crore fine imposed. The project is currently 51 per cent complete.

Jahangir Alam, executive engineer of the Moulvibazar RHD, said the contract was cancelled because of the firm’s failure to complete the work within the stipulated period and its negligence.

He said a fresh proposal had been sent to the Ministry of Planning to complete the remaining work. A senior ministry team was scheduled to visit the project site next week to review the situation.

The remaining work would be undertaken in accordance with the ministry’s instructions, he added.