The Roads and Highways Department initiated repair to the dilapidated roads connecting Sreepur Sadar upazila to eight unions but locals alleged those are returning to the sorry state because of use of substandard construction materials.
This is leading to a big waste of public money as the locals derive no benefit from the repair. Their woes continue to grow, with no effective measure taken so far to solve the problem.
The roads are Mawna-Fulbaria road, Masterbari-Boiragirchala road, Rajabari-Sreepur road, Gosinga-Sreepur road, Sreepur-Boldighat road, Kawraid-Sreepur road, Sreepur-Satkhamair road, Sreepur-Tengra road, Mawna-Tepirbari road, Rajabari-Proholadpur road and Kawraid-Bormi road.
It has become risky for thousands of locals who travel on the pothole-ridden roads every day.
Locals alleged a section of corrupt officials and contractors misappropriate the fund allocated by the local LGED office for repairing the damaged roads. They also claimed the use of low-grade materials causes the roads to go back to the bad state within a few days. Even a little rain causes the potholes to be filled with water, making them look almost like small ponds.
Those carrying our the repair, however, said the situation is the result of increased traffic on the roads.
Trucks laden with bricks, sand and other construction materials regularly ply the roads, leading to frequent accidents. The vehicles cannot go on inter-district trips as most of those are unfit and do not have licence. Helpers generally take the driving seat in such trucks that carry materials at bargain prices.
There are nearly 40-50 schools in Sreepur municipal area who remain at the highest risk of facing road accidents because of the trucks.
Besides, the vehicles use hydraulic horns that have a detrimental impact on human health.
Sreepur Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Sadequr Rahman said the upazila law enforcement committee discussed the trips made by trucks, and mobile courts would take steps against those soon.
Gazipur Executive Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department Mohibul Haque said they are patching up the roads by filling the potholes with sand and brick chips.
“The roads can be extensively repaired if we undertake big projects in the coming days,” he added.
