Matlab Bridge work likely to start soon

After a long hiatus, the eagerly-awaited project to construct Matlab Bridge over Dhonagoda River has got a new impetus with fixing of increased fund giving a clear indication of the work to start soon. The project held back by political tangles has been revived much to the happiness of the people of Matlab Uttar and Matlab Dakkhin upazilas of Chandpur, where the river bifurcates. The Tk 838.4 million project, which had been placed at the meeting of Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) in the fiscal 2005-2006, hit a snag due to political tangles. Later, the project, however, revived with the Awami League-led government assuming office in 2009. The project profile was submitted to the ministry concerned. Locals said in absence of a bridge, hundreds of vehicles with thousands of people cross the river by a ferry. Sometimes, the BIWTA ferry goes out of order causing immense suffering to the local people. Once completed, the 34-metre long and eight-metre wide Matlab Bridge would solve the problem, they hoped, according to a news agency.