Long-neglected road repairs in Jhalakathi city have turned daily commutes into a serious hazard. Even light rain causes severe waterlogging, hiding deep potholes and putting the lives of residents at risk.
Students, patients, and daily wage earners face the brunt of this crisis. Rainwater quickly submerges the streets, making it impossible to distinguish the road from hazardous craters.
"When it rains, the road goes underwater. You can't tell where the potholes are, making it very difficult to move around," shared a local resident.
Transport workers are also suffering physical and financial tolls. Rickshaw puller Ramzan Ali noted, "The wheels get stuck in the deep holes, and the rickshaw almost overturns. Passengers get scared." Auto-rickshaw driver Ratan added that the rough conditions severely damage vehicles, a situation that only worsens when water accumulates.
Locals have repeatedly alerted municipal authorities, but without success. Jhalakathi Municipality Administrator Kawsar Hossain responded to the complaints, stating, "These roads have received approval under different phases of our CTCRC project. Work on some roads is ongoing, and repair work on the remaining roads will begin gradually."
Despite these assurances, city residents remain skeptical. Having heard similar promises for years, they are now demanding visible action and a permanent solution before the upcoming monsoon season paralyzes the city completely.
