Collaborative efforts in construction of new bridge

The bustling industrial area of Karnapara in Savar, home to a vibrant community and numerous garment factories, has long offered a challenging daily commute for its residents and children.
The worn-out wooden bridge that separates the factories and residential areas from the Karnapara field has been a cause for concern.
Compromised safety and frequent accidents resulting from the bridge's deteriorating condition have plagued the life of the local people.
Jannatul Ferdous, a sewing machine operator working in one of the nearby factories, shared her experience, revealing the perilous state of the temporary bridge.
"Accidents, both major and minor, were a regular occurrence on this bridge.
I once fell off and suffered a severe injury, which kept me away from work for several days due to the pain," she recalled.
Recognising the urgent need to address this hazard, the Savar Municipality took a decisive action in collaboration with the local community.
The Karnapara bridge was identified as a polluted and risky area through the Urban Risk Assessment (URA) process conducted by the local Ward Disaster Management Committee under the Save the Children's Proyash II project in 2019.
Subsequently, the municipality initiated discussions involving non-governmental organisations, the local community, and garment factories to find a viable solution.
The reconstruction plan for the Karnapara bridge is now making steady progress.
The goal of the municipality authorities is to construct a sturdy bridge over the Karnapara canal, leveraging the combined efforts of the government, private sector, and the local community.
To achieve this, a collaborative fund was established with the efforts of the project, under the leadership of the Savar Municipality and involving the relevant ward councilors and local residents.
As a result, construction work on a permanent and robust bridge commenced on the Karnapara canal in early 2023, with an expenditure of approximately 35 lakh taka.
Sharif Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, the Chief Executive Officer of Savar Municipality, highlighted the successful example of coordination between the government, private sector, and local community.
"This initiative did not originate solely from the municipality. Instead, the people of the area, in collaboration with the Savar Municipality, involved all relevant government and private entities in the bridge construction idea sharing and organized a discussion involving everyone. We wholeheartedly welcomed this proposal and engaged afterward," he remarked.
Mohammad Shamsuddoha, Director (Administration) of Denitex Limited, a garment factory located near the Karnapara bridge, expressed delight at contributing to the joint fund for the bridge's construction.
He emphasized the importance of this collaborative effort in facilitating the daily commute of thousands of workers in the area, stating, "Once the bridge is built, our workers will be able to commute to work easily."
The new bridge will fulfill the long-standing aspiration of Karnapara's residents to safely cross the canal every day.
It will not only enhance services and opportunities on both sides of the canal but also ensure the safe travel of school-going children and thousands of garment workers to their workplaces.
Improved access to services, economic prospects, and social connectivity will be guaranteed.
This remarkable endeavour remains a shining example of collaborative efforts between the government and the private sector, aiding inclusive development and promoting safety and integration in the community.