Bridges damaged by Sidr, Aila in Kalapara yet to be repaired
Ravaged during the onslaught of super cyclone Aila on May 25 in 2009, the iron bridge near Chapli Bazar in Dhulashar union under Kalapara upazila of Patuakhali district has remained without repair or replacement, much to the distress of the locals.Photo: STAR
Thousands of people are suffering as 10 bridges in Kalapara upazila under Patuakhali district have remained useless after they were damaged by super cyclone Sidr on November 15 in 2007 and Aila on May 25 in 2009. The bridges include Madhukhali bridge, Nishanbaria bridge, Gazibari bridge, Banatipara bridge, Majhergram bridge, Anantapara bridge, the bridge in front of Dhankhali College, Pakkhipara bridge and Londa bridge. Maulana Abdullah, superintendent of Purbo Madhukhali Dakhil Madrasa, said, students of the institution are suffering a lot as the bridge on Madhukhali canal near the madrasa was damaged during Sidr. "Students' attendance has reduced as they have to cover a few kilometres in addition. Several times I personally requested the staff at LGED office in Kalapara to take step to repair the bridge but to no effect," he said. People of seven villages in the upazila are greatly suffering as Pakkhipara bridge on the alternative road between Kalapara and Kuakata was damaged in Aila and plying of public transport stopped on the road. People crossing the road on motorcycles and on foot have to cross the river by boat. A few passengers were injured in several boat capsizes in the river. Locals and school going students are suffering a lot as the bridge over Chapli canal has remained useless since it was damaged during Aila, said Anwar Hossain, headmaster of Chapli Islamia High School in the upazila. Locals made a sako (bamboo bridge) on Londa canal as the damaged bridge is yet to be repaired. Local communication is badly disturbed as many bridges that were damaged during Sidr and Aila are yet to be repaired, said Abdul Maleq, chairman of Khaprabhanga union parishad in Kalapara upazila. When contacted, LGED engineer Moniruzzaman said, "We sent a proposal urging immediate step to repair the five damaged bridges and build two culverts two years ago but higher authorities are yet to approve it. However, work has started to construct a girder bridge on Pakkhipara canal."
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