At least 500 spots on the Gopalganj-Kotalipara-Poisharhaat regional highway have developed cracks and facing erosion due to the recent heavy rain.
Some portions of road are dotted with small and big potholes making it riskier for vehicles to ply. It has also been causing traffic snarls on the 36km road.
Locals alleged that the highway, which was built only one and half year ago, deteriorated very quickly in the rain because of low-quality construction materials.
They also said the road might not be able to withstand another spell of heavy and incessant rain.
A recent visit to some parts of the highway found it in dire condition. In most areas the asphalt of the highway gave way to rain exposing sand and gravel.
According to the Gopalganj Roads and Highways Department, the regional highway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on November 11 in 2013. Since then it has been used as lifeline for thousands of people of the Gopalganj district.
Local people alleged that the highway was built upon a weak sand embankment. So even a light rain takes a toll on the road.
Amin Dariya of Kotalipara upazila said at least 500 places of Bedgram, Golabaria, Majhigati, Kathi, Bajunia, Kajulia, Tupuria, Tarashi, Sikir Bazar, Wapdahat, Harnahati and Nagra are in tattered condition.
Keramat Ali of the same upazila said the road had been facing the same trouble since it was built. “From the very beginning, it needed continuous maintenance as rain could easily damage it.”
One of the labourers working on the road, Abdur Rashid Molla, said they had been dumping sand bags and soils to protect the road.
Another labourer Mizanur Rahman Dhali said they had been mending the road after the rain stopped. There were many like him employed throughout the year.
When contacted, Kotalipara upazila Chairman Mujibur Rahman Hawlader said: “The construction of the road was faulty. It does not have enough soil beneath it for support. That is why many parts of the road have caved in. The construction materials were also of poor quality.”
Acknowledging the run-down state of the highway, Executive Engineer of Gopalganj Roads and Highways Department Shomiron Roy said the rain in the last week damaged the road to a great extent.
“Besides, the soil of the region is prone to decay making it difficult for the road to sustain. However, we have begun the repair work on June 29 and would mend the damaged portion very soon,” he added.
