Delayed work on two Narail bridges triggers public woes

BENAPOLE, June 21: Prolonged delay in construction work of two key bridges in Narail, almost set to go beyond their deadlines, is causing mounting hardships for the locals.
The bridges located at Noldi Bazar-Chandibarpur and Fedi Bazar-Raigram are being built to improve connectivity between Lohagara upazila and the district headquarters, said Sardar Ikramul Kabir, executive engineer of the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Narail.
Construction of the Noldi-Chandibarpur bridge began on October 26, 2020. The project, being implemented by Messrs Ziaur Rahman Traders and Surma Enterprise, involves an estimated cost of Tk 92.3 million.
Meanwhile, work on the Fedi Bazar-Raigram bridge started on September 29, 2021. According to the LGED executive engineer, work on the Tk109.1 million project was awarded to a contractor named ICL. Both bridges were scheduled to be completed by July 31, 2025.
Sardar Ikramul Kabir said around 80 per cent of the construction work of both bridges has been completed. The deadline for the Noldi-Chandibarpur bridge has been extended until November 2026.
He added that the work order for the Fedi Bazar-Raigram bridge has been cancelled as the contractor failed to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe. A fresh tender process is currently underway. Local residents expressed frustration over the prolonged delay.
"The construction has been going on for so long that it feels like the bridge will never be completed in our lifetime," said Sanchita Biswas, a resident of the Noldi-Chandibarpur area.
Another resident, Sunil Biswas, said
people are forced to travel an additional 15 to 17 kilometres due to the absence of the bridge.
Suman Kumar said residents have to endure considerable difficulties as markets and schools are located on the opposite side of the river."If the bridge work was completed, we could travel there in a short time. Now, reaching those places is very difficult," he said.
Rafiqul Islam, a businessman at Fedi Bazar, said the incomplete bridge is disrupting both communication and business activities in the area.
Another trader, Tarikul Islam, said boat shortage during the monsoon season often creates further difficulties, preventing students from reaching schools and colleges on time.
Mizanur Rahman, manager of Messrs Ziaur Rahman Traders and Surma Enterprise, said the project deadline had been extended and efforts were underway to complete the bridge within the revised timeframe.

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