Ramshackle bridge lying unrepaired for 5-yr in Jhenidah

A bridge for pedestrians and vehicles on the Begboti river at Defolbari village of Jhenidah Sadar upazila has remained at risk of collapse for the last five years.

This bridge lies on Begboti river on Kotchandpur-Jhenidah via Paglakanai area which is densely populated.

Locals said that this bridge has been lying in this broken state for five years.

The plaster has fallen off and parts of it are falling down. Two cracks have appeared on the bridge and the lower portion of the bridge is on the verge of collapse.

It might collapse if it is not renovated as soon as possible, they said.

Dilip Kumar, a trucker of Jhenidah, said that he crosses the bridge risking his life. This bridge may collapse at any moment as its lower portion is about to fall down, he added.

Tarikul Islam of Defolbari village said it is a busy road where hundreds of vehicles ply on the bridge carrying huge loads. The bridge is a lurking danger for the people, he also said.

Jahir Raihan of Kumrabaria village said around two lakh people of eight unions use the road. Besides, heavy vehicles including CNG, auto rickshaw, and human hauler ply on the road. It may collapse any time if it is not repaired soon.

Kumrabaria UP Chairman Ashraful Islam said he is trying his best to get it repaired as it is posing risk to the people.

He has communicated the matter with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) in this regard, he added.

Sadar upazila LGED engineer Ahsan Habib said he has made an estimate of the renovation cost and forwarded it to the concerned authority.