Sunamganj people seek new bridge in place of a dilapidated one

SYLHET, Jan 12: Locals demanded immediate steps for construction of Ternagar bridge in place of the existing dilapidated one since it was damaged and lying unusable for long.

They are afraid of serious consequences as the authority recently started some repair works on the damaged bridge, which stands on the communicating point of inhabitants of 40 villages under four unions of Derai and Jamalganj upazila in Sunamganj.

Over 0.1 million (one lakh) people of Bhimkhali and Fenarbak unions in Jamalganj upazila and Rofinagar and Bhatipara unions of Derai upazilas have to use the Teranagar bridge on Doulata river. The 300 feet bridge, built over 20 years ago has developed a number of breaches by now while the railings are also broken at points. There is apprehension of accidents as the condition of pillars is risky too.

Seeing repair works on the structure the locals became agitated as they had been demanding for a new bridge at the same place for years.

The dilapidated bridge gets shaked when only two small vehicles get on it, said Pashchim Rajapur Primary School's Assistant teacher Sitesh Ranjan Talukder. It should be dismantled and a new one should be constructed, he added. Otherwise there would be risks of any serious accident any time, apprehended a number of locals from Teranagar village.

We have been using the bridge amid serious risks for years. The bridge had not been built properly even two decades ago. Otherwise, it would have served for more years, said some locals, demanding a new bridge on the same site.

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