Crore project stalled Mathbaria - Mirukhali death trap.

S M Akash, Mathbaria,Pirojpur. Even after more than two years from the start date, an important renovation work in Mathbaria, Pirojpur has not been completed. Local residents and pedestrians are suffering. The Mathbaria-Mirukhali pass is now a death trap. According to the Upazila Engineer's Office, in June 2023, Bhandaria's contractor Ifti TCL was given the responsibility of repairing the Mirukhali road and constructing a bridge. The total budget for the entire project, including the construction of the bridge, was set at around Tk 140 million (of which the budget for the main road repair was Tk 123.9 million). Although the contract stipulates that the work should be completed by April 2024, both the work and the duration of the project are currently suspended. It can be seen on the ground that numerous small and large potholes and ditches have formed along the entire six and a half kilometers of Mirukhali Road. The pitch of most parts has been lifted. Even with a little rain, water accumulates in these potholes, creating mud and water. As a result, passenger and cargo vehicles are moving erratically, posing a serious risk. Minor and major accidents are regularly occurring, creating long traffic jams. Due to the movement of heavy vehicles loaded with bricks and wood on it, the condition of the road is becoming more critical day by day. Although the start of the renovation work after a long wait brought hope to local residents, there is now intense public anger as the contractor abruptly stopped work and cut off the project. Pirojpur LGED Senior Assistant Engineer Md. Ziarul Islam said that the contractor has been paid 12 million taka so far. However, after the recent political changes in the country, the company stopped the work claiming an outstanding bill of 3.5 crore taka. Although attempts were made to fill the potholes to make the road temporarily passable, it was not possible. As the contract period has expired, plans are underway to complete the unfinished work by inviting new tenders through the administrative process. On the other hand, Shahidul Islam, a representative of the contracting company, said on the phone that they have not yet received all the dues for the work they have completed so far. They will resume work only when the outstanding dues are paid to the authorities. This important development project worth crores of taka is about to collapse due to this two-sided position of the contractor and the administration and the tension. The affected locals have strongly demanded that all administrative and financial complications be resolved immediately, the remaining work of the road be completed and the suffering of the people be removed.