United News of Bangladesh

Narsingdi, July 30 (UNB) - The approach road of a bridge has caved in in Monohardi upazila, just two months after it was inaugurated.   A large portion of the road collapsed on the south side of the bridge over the Arial Kha River that connects Monohardi of the district with Pakundia of Kishoreganj.   Besides, cracks have developed on the Pakundia part of the approach road on the north side.   Although the contractor firm repaired the damaged road with sand bags and bamboo poles, locals fear it might collapse again anytime.   M/S Rezvi Construction of Mymensigh constructed the bridge spending Tk 9.74 crore. It was opened to traffic on May 16 last.   Hundreds of vehicles, including those plying Dhaka-Kishoreganj route via Monohardi, use the bridge every day.   During a visit to the site, it was seen that the Monohardi portion of the approach road caved in following incessant rains for the last several days.   The contractor firm placed sand bags along with bamboo poles to somehow repair the collapsed road.   However, locals fear it might collapse again in the case of heavy rains.   Local Awami League leader Lal Mia alleged that the road collapsed due to the use of substandard materials in the construction.   Rezvi Construction Supervisor Nirtan said a road may collapse after its construction. “However, we’ve repaired the road.”   Executive Engineer of Kishoreganj Roads and Highways Rashedul Alam said he was unaware of the collapse of and cracks on the road. “Actions will be taken against the contractor firm if it’s found correct. “  

Chandpur, July 16 (UNB) – The approach road of a bridge has caved in in Matlab North upazila just six and half months after it was opened to traffic, triggering questions whether minimum quality is maintained in road construction.   A large portion of the road collapsed on the north side of the Matlab Bridge over the Dhonagoda River early Saturday, creating a big hole.   Cracks also developed on several spots of the road.   Although officials said the road caved in as incessant rains for the last few days washed way the soil under it, the local upazila parishad chairman blamed the use of substandard materials in the construction of the road.   The Matlab Bridge, measuring 304.51 metres in length and 10.25 metres in width, with a 1.86-km approach road on both sides was constructed at a cost of Tk 87 crore. It was opened to traffic on January 1 last.   The bridge has facilitated the travel of thousands of people to the capital through Daudkandi avoiding Cumillla.   During a visit to the road, it was found that different types of vehicles were plying the bridge running risks of accidents following the collapse of the approach road.   It was also seen that many were avoiding the bridge fearing troubles.   Rickshaw-puller Mohammad Humayun said they were running rickshaws taking the risk of life. “Accident might take place anytime.”   Executive Engineer of Chandpur Roads and Highways Department told UNB that the road caved in as heavy rain for the last few days washed way soil beneath it.   He also said they were working to speedily repair the collapsed portion of the road.   Meanwhile, Matlab North Upazila Parishad Chairman AHM Gias Uddin who visited the road alleged that the approach road collapsed due to the use of low-quality materials in the construction.