A 2.49 crore taka road development project in Paikgachha Upazila has turned into a source of immense public hardship due to project delays and poor planning. The construction of the 2,940-meter road, stretching from Shankardana Kheyaghat to Kanthamari Bazar in Lata Union, remains unfinished long after its deadline.
The project, managed by the contracting firm Jakaullah & Brothers Limited under the Amphan Rehabilitation Project, has seen only minimal progress. Residents report that while sand was dumped in some sections, the majority of the road remains a muddy trap.
The situation has been worsened by the construction of ring embankments on either side of the road. These embankments prevent rain and tidal water from draining, leaving the entire stretch submerged. Locals noted that tidal water entering through sluice gates often remains trapped, making the road virtually unusable for students, the elderly, and emergency medical transport.
Workers on-site blamed the slow pace on the "poor communication system," claiming that heavy machinery, such as rollers, cannot reach the site due to the existing road conditions. However, Ward Member Bijon Kumar Halder confirmed that while some sand filling has occurred, the entry of heavy equipment remains a major bottleneck.
Jahangir Hossain, Deputy Assistant Engineer of the Upazila Engineering Department, stated that the contractor has been officially instructed to drain the trapped water and expedite the work.
Despite these assurances, residents fear that without immediate intervention, the upcoming monsoon season will completely cut off the area, leaving thousands of people stranded in a "development project" that has only increased their misery.
