For a long time, numerous big and small potholes have plagued the Chanpur section of the Fenchuganj-Balaganj road in Sylhet. When it rains, water accumulates in this part of the road and disrupts the movement of vehicles as well as pedestrians.
According to local sources, there used to be a culvert in the Chanpur area to drain out rainwater from the road. However, some locals recently built a boundary wall for their house by obstructing the culvert.
A number of large potholes have appeared at several places on the road from Chanpur to Daikerbazar in Fenchuganj upazila. The rains in the last few days have caused water to accumulate in these potholes, rendering the road unserviceable.
According to local transport workers, a large number of vehicles, large and small, ply on the road every day. Large potholes on the road often cause their vehicles to overturn. Besides, the stagnant water on the road often seeps through the exhaust and causes the engines to break down.
However, the authorities concerned are yet to take any initiatives to repair the road.
UP Member Abdul Kaium said: “Last year, local transport workers raised money and repaired the potholes with the help of the union parishad administration. However, potholes have recently returned due to the accumulation of rainwater on the road. Rainwater used to drain out through the culvert near the road but locals have obstructed it which is causing suffering to local commuters.”
Balaganj Upazila Engineer SRMG Kibria said that the majority portion of the 16-km Fenchuganj-Balaganj road falls in Balaganj with only five kilometres under Fenchuganj.
Admitting that the road was damaged in several places, he told this correspondent that as the road was built under a Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) project, its contractors were responsible for its maintenance till the end of the five-year project duration.
“The contractor concerned has been asked to undertake the necessary repair works needed to make the road serviceable again before the project expires next month.
“Even if the road is paved with roller-compacted concrete, persistent waterlogging will cause further damage. Initiatives have to be taken so that the rainwater does not accumulate on the road,” he added.
