A concrete bridge over the Shila River is a dire need for around 50,000 residents of 11 villages under the Moshakhali and Longair unions of Goforgaon upazila in the Mymensingh district.
Many commuters including the elderly and school-going children daily use a rickety make-shift bamboo bridge to cross the river. Residents of Kandi, Bailona, Rajoi, Proshadpur, Belab, Risab, Shonatolam, Mukhi, Moshakhali, Kashmir, Neoka, and Golabari villages have been using the 200 ft long bamboo bridge for last 50 years for various purposes including education and commerce.
A concrete bridge over the river is a long standing need of the people, said Nazrul, 40, and Parul Akter, residents of Bailona village.
People of these unions collaboratively submitted an application stating the need of such a bridge over the river to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer two years ago, but no steps have been taken as yet.
“Although a fearful task the elderly and school-going children, having no alternative, use the bamboo bridge,” said Mariam, 35, another resident, adding that a concrete bridge would contribute to the development and betterment of people’s lives.
Local MP Fahmi Golondaj Babel, elected in the January 5 election, said he had recently sent a letter to the Communication Ministry seeking approval to build a bridge over the Shila River.
