‘Problems at riverbed hindering Padma Bridge construction’

Planning Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal Monday said certain physical changes in the mighty Padma River are hindering the ongoing construction of the bridge over it.
"Bangladesh has no previous experience of building this kind of large bridge. A lot of physical obstacles are emerging (in the Padma River). Mud and sand are being removed (from the piling place). These factors are hampering the work," he said while briefing reporters in Dhaka.
He made the observations at the end of a meeting that reviewed the progress on 86 big ongoing development projects under the Annual Development Programme (ADP) at the Planning Commission (PC).
Mr Kamal sat with the secretaries of the line ministries and project directors of those projects, each having an allocation of Tk 3.50 billion or more.
The Planning Minister said a new hammer for piling work has reached the project site that would now help expedite the construction work of Padma Bridge.
"At today's (Monday) meeting, the senior secretary (of the Bridges Division) has assured us that the Padma Bridge construction work is on track," he added.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) has been facing difficulties in carrying out the piling works at some 14 piers out of total 42 piers due to the shifting character of the riverbe6d in the Padma River.
BBA sources said non-availability of 'solid earth' was creating obstacles to construction of some piers.
The government is investing nearly Tk 250 billion in the 6.15-kilometre Padma Bridge project from its own resources.
About the progress of the 86 ongoing projects, Mr Kamal said almost all the projects are on track.
"I don't see any frightening situation at the implementation stage. I feel that it is the high time for the implementing agencies for its execution as there is no instability in the country at the moment. So, I have asked the PDs to expedite the project works," he said.
Only the Karnaphuli Tunnel project was facing some problems which have been resolved recently following the signing of a contract, he added.
He said they have asked the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) to change the implementation methodology and design of the rural roads to make those durable after construction.
"Currently, the LGED constructs bituminous road on the same alignment of the rural roads without extending its width or building protection wall beside the water bodies. So, the design of the roads should be changed," Mr Kamal added.
When asked about the poor quality of the rural roads, the Planning Minister said, "I don't see those types of roads you are complaining about. I frequently visit my village home. But I find the roads are in fine conditions there," he said.
But if heavy trucks and lorries ply the village roads, those could be damaged, he added.
Referring to the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IMED), the minister said now the Division is evaluating almost all the projects instead of selected ones to ensure the quality of the execution works.
Planning Commission members, high officials, secretaries of different ministries and project directors were present at the review meeting.
[email protected]