The roads and embankments in Mothbaria upazila of Pirojpur have been severely damaged because of heavy tides caused by the recent full moons, making the lives of people very difficult.
After visiting different areas of the upazila, this correspondent has found that the 3km embankment from Khejurbaria to Char Bholmara was damaged at 8-10 different spots, while around 500m embankment area adjoining to Swiss Gate area in Dokkhin Boro Machhua village was completely devoured by the Boleshwar river.
Abdul Khalek, a resident of the village, said the river had almost reached his residence. A total of 15 families were living precariously, he told the Dhaka Tribune.
Around 1,200 feet road was damaged and three large ditches developed on the Mothbaria-Boro Machhua road which was constructed by the Roads and Highways Division, while some part of the road was devoured by the river near Boro Machhua launch ghat.
Executive Engineer Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal of Pirojpur Roads and Highways Division said the damaged road would be repaired soon.
He, however, said it would not be possible to resist the erosion of the road near launch ghat area, if river training measures were not implemented there.
Ashraf Ali, a ward member in Boro Machhua union, said Bholmara Swiss Gate was only 3km away from his house and the road was damaged at 7-8 different spots, adding that the 4km road from Dokkhin Boro Machhua village to Nizamia Bazar was also damaged in 5-7 different spots.
Besides, the roads from Khetachhira to Haziganj and Kochubaria school to Khetachhira Wabda embankment were also found to be in similarly poor condition.
Tushkhali Union Parishad Chairman Shahjahan Hawladar said the Bandaghata-Tushkhali embankment was constructed only two years ago and it was damaged at 5-7 different places during recent tides.
Hundreds of people in the area were suffering as they were almost marooned in water because of the damaged embankment, the chairman added.
Sub-Divisional Engineer Uzzal Sen of Mothbaria Water Development Board said higher authorities were informed regarding the reformation of the embankment.
Meanwhile, Executive Engineer Abu Hena Mostofa Kamal said small repair works of the roads and embankments were already undertaken. On the other hand, they were not being able to start the repairs worth a large sum of money due to a lack of financial assistance.
