The 50-meter bridge over Berubari canal in Nageshwari upazila of Kurigram district has become a death trap for people of six villages over the past seven years due to its vulnerable state, thanks to the negligence of the authorities.
The Berubari Bridge remains dilapidated since 2016 as a part of it collapsed due to flood and earthquake, causing immense sufferings to residents of the six villages who have to use it.
No ambulance can cross the bridge to take patients to the local health establishments.
No initiative has taken yet regarding the issue, despite locals complaining several times.
Locals also demand a concrete bridge over the canal for easier commuting.
The bridge was built over Berubari canal during the Pakistan era, and since then no renovation work has been carried out.
In 2016, a 20-meter long area on the west side and 10-meter area on the east side of the bridge caved in during an earthquake, making it unfit for crossing over.
Besides, a part of the bridge collapsed after being hit by a tractor in the same year.
As a result, thousands of people living in the Berubari union fail to use the bridge.
In 2017, locals with the help of the union parishad constructed a bamboo bridge over the canal but it is also in poor condition.
Besides, a major part of the bridge has collapsed during the recent flood, posing a serious threat.
Over 7,000 people of Hazipara, Sarkarpara, Mandalpara, Mirarbhata, Char Berubari, Char Shalmara, Akandpara and Berubari union are now crossing the bridge, putting their lives at risk every day, as they have to go to schools, businesses, and local markets.
Solaiman Ali, chairman of Berubari union, said they have sent letters demanding repair of the bridge several times but no initiative has been taken yet.
Md Masuduzzaman, executive engineer of Kurigram Local Government and Engineering Department (LGED), said the local LGED officers visited the bridge and a proposal has already been sent to the authorities concerned.
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