Bridge lying unused for absence of approach road in Sunamganj

SYLHET, Apr 06: A bridge remains unused for the absence of 6.5-km approach road in Shantiganj upazila of Sunamganj district. The LGED constructed it recently on the Kalni river spending Taka 140 million for easing the link of Shantiganj upazila with neighbouring Derai and Jamalganj upazilas. Unless an all-weather approach road of the long-desired 160-metre bridge is constructed, the locals wouldn't get benefit, a number of locals said.

Former Union Parishad member Nur Ahmed said the inhabitants of three upazilas-- Derai, Jamalganj and Shantiganj-- would be benefitted if the approach road is built. It would link directly Sunamganj district town with Sylhet divisional city. But the existing narrow road remains under water during the monsoon.

Joykolosh Union Parishad Chairman Abdul Basit said we are happy with the bridge, constructed at the initiative of Planning Minister MA Mannan, also a lawmaker from this constituency. Now construction of the approach road on both ends is a must to reach out to the inhabitants of a vast region, he added.

Upazila Engineer of the LGED Al Nur Tarek said the locals' demand for a 6.5 km road is justified. He claimed that they had proposed a 15 km road including the 6.5 km under 'Core Road network' to the higher authority. Once approved, it would meet the locals' demand and help the inhabitants of a larger area.

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