Instead of using sand, a construction company in Bandarban is cutting hills to excavate red soil to construct the Udalbaniya-Jhongka Rajbila Road project.
Locals have also complained about other irregularities performed by the contractor. They have accused the contractor of using low-quality raw materials to construct the road in Rajbila union.
According to local sources, Jhanka-Rajbila Road is being constructed on land adjacent to the Rajbila-Udalbania Road, in the Rubber Dam area; the construction company is collecting hill soil from the nearby madrasa using an excavator.
When asked about the proceedings Md Tuhin, one of the construction workers, said: "We are using the red soil of the hills as it is more suitable and long-lasting for constructing roads.
"Initially we were using typical construction sand but upon the instructions from our office, we started to excavate red hill soil from the nearby madrasa and paid them Tk10,000."
According to the government office sources concerned, the Bandarban Sadar Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) is implementing the development project of the Udalbania-Jhanka Rajbila Road at a cost of Tk1.89 crore. The Lumbini enterprise of Rangamati was able to secure the project in an open tender invitation.
When queried about the irregularities commited by the construction company, local resident Aunko said: "The construction company is deliberately using red hill soil despite the availability of construction sand in the area."
Echoing this disappointment, another local, Mongjike Marma, said: "We did not find anyone from the management level of the construction company to whom to submit our complaints. When the brick soling is watered, the whole area becomes muddy and filthy.
"We do not think that this road will last for very long."
Furthermore, none of the government officials concerned have been seen supervising the construction site; this has led the area’s inhabitants to believe that local LGED men are also involved in the illegal and corrupt activities.
"During my visit to the project area, I saw evidence of the irregularities and corruption,” said Rajbila 1 Union Parishad Chairman Kya Aung Prue Marma.
He continued: "When I notified the authority concerned about the proceedings, they told me that it is completely fine and they [the contractor] may use the red hill soil to construct the road."
However, according to the existing environmental law, it is illegal to excavate or cut any hill or mountain without clearance from the Department of Environment. Anybody or any company violating this law will be sentenced to two years in jail and fined Tk2 lakh. If found guilty for a second time, the offender will be sentenced to10 years in jail, or will be fined no more than Tk10 lakh.
When contacted about claims of corruption and irregularities, Bandarban LGED Executive Engineer Abu Taleb said: "The assistant engineer has brought samples of the red hill soil for testing.
"After extensive testing, we have come to the conclusion that this red hill soil can be used for road construction."
