FENI, Mar 09 (UNB): About 20,000 residents of Sonagazi upazila of Feni and Companiganj upazila of Noakhali district are in distress as no concrete bridge has been constructed over the Chhoto Feni River at Kazirhat since it collapsed 22 years back.
The bridge, collapsed in 2002 due to high tide, was the only mean of crossing it for the people of two upazilas of Feni and Noakhali districts.
Despite promises from public representatives and political leaders, the bridge has not been built even after 22 years.
Sources said that a Regulator-cum-bridge with 20 gates was built over the Chhoto Feni River in 1961-62 at Kazirhat in Sonagazi upazila during Pakistan era to protect the coastal areas of the district from tidal surge.
The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) got the task of management and repair work of the regulator.
WAPDA conducted maintenance work till 1970 and later it was renamed as Water Development Board.
In 2002, the Regulator-cum-bridge washed away by the tidal surge due to lack of proper maintenance.
In the absence of a bridge, the residents of the two upazilas rely on boats and nearly 100-1500 people cross the 200 meter river everyday by boats.
Local people said they have to face huge problem while transporting goods to different areas in absence of alternative means.
A number of markets including haats were located on one side of the river including Kazirhat, Darogahat, Keramatia Bazar, Jamadar Bazar, Chan Mia and Olama Bazar in Sonagazi upazila while on the other side, Charhazari, Charparboti, Moulvibazar, Kadamtala Basurhat and Chowdhury Haat were located under Companiganj upazila.
During a recent visit to the area, this correspondent found that people were crossing the river by boats while some were waiting to cross the river.
Talking to the new agency, Asia Begum and Rahela Akter-two housewives, said they have to cross the river several times in a day spending Tk 60-90 which is a burden for them as well as waste of time.
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