Around 30,000 residents of 10 villages under Roumari upazila of Kurigram district are largely suffering for a lack of concrete bridge over the Jinjiram River which is the lifeline of trade and communication in the region.
Although the villagers have built a makeshift bamboo bridge, it is so fragile that it needs to be rebuilt three to four times a year, causing money and labour to the villagers. Moreover, the rickety bridge is in no way capable of bearing shallow vehicles, let alone goods laden transports.
Abdul Quader, a teacher by profession, said the absence of a concrete bridge over the river has created untold sufferings for the traders and farmers of the villages. In fear of accidents, the farmers cannot carry their produces to the markets during peak seasons, as a result, they do not get the due price.
Moreover, recently one child drowned in the river after falling from the rickety bridge, he said.
Upon a visit to the spot in Charboalmari area of Shoulmari union, it was found that very few people were using the 130 ft long makeshift bridge by risking their lives.
Syed Ali, a trader in the region, said construction of a concrete bridge over the river has been a long standing need of the people of these villages. Every year the LGED officials come to the spot for taking measurements and generate hope among the villagers, however, ultimately the bridge is never constructed.
The sufferers are mainly the residents of Charboalmari, Kolomer Char, Chengtapara, Shutirpar, North Goytapara, Danguapara, Charergram, and Kawarchar – all villages situated by the border.
Liton, a class nine student of Kolomer Char village said: “Many students like me are suffering for a lack of bridge over the river.”
Upazila engineer Mobarak Hossain said the project proposal for building a bridge over Jinjiram River in Charboalmari has been placed to the authorities concerned. Until getting their approval, no steps can be taken.
