The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Barisal

Roads and highways authority sanctioned only 2.5 crore taka against the demand of Tk.30 crore for immediate repairing of roads affected by the recent floods and downpours in 11 districts under Barisal circle including Barisal and Faridpur road divisions.

Harunur Rashid, superintending engineer of Barisal roads and highways circle, acknowledging the facts said that sanctioned limited fund also yet to be placed, while about one core taka already spent for emergency repairing works in different areas to avoid disruption of road communications during Eid rush.

R and H sources said 11 districts under Barisal road circle included Barisal, Jhalakati, Pirojpur,Barguna,Patuakhali and Bhola districts of Barisal and Faridpur,Gopalganj,Madaripur,Shariatpur and Rajbari districts of Faridpur R and H divisions.

Tk.20 is needed for emergency repairing of roads and highways under Faridpur R and H and Tk. 10 core needed for Barisal R and H divisions, sources added.

During the recent flash floods and continuous downpours roads and highways in different parts of this circle not only damaged by creating potholes, but also seriously damaged by compression, sliding of earth of roads, highways, approach and diversion roads.

After a culvert destroyed on Pukuria-Atroshi road of Faridpur R and H division, a bailey bridge was placed. But its approach road is in critical condition.

Normal traffic on Kalapara-Kuakata on Barisal-Kuakata tourist highway often disrupted due to severe conditions of the approach roads and gangways of three ferry crossings and damaged culverts and sliding of earth of the roads.

The only 18 feet wide Barisal-Faridpur-Dhaka highway connecting 11 districts with capital city also in the same condition and conditions of almost all inter and inner district bus and truck stations and stands are beyond description.

Condition of Hazrat Haji Shariatullah (Rh.) on Dhaka -Mawa-Vanga highway needs at least 5 core taka for immediate repairing, the sources added.

If sufficient fund would not be placed for immediate repairing of the roads and highways of this region, then not only transportation of passengers, but carrying of cargo of essential commodities would be broken creating adverse affect on socio-economic conditions of this region, the local observers opined.