Kathalia, Aug 10 (V7N) — Residents of South Aura in Kathalia upazila repaired a dangerously worn-out iron bridge over a canal using bamboo and voluntary labor, after years of official inaction and repeated safety incidents involving schoolchildren.
 
Dozens of residents in South Aura, Kathalia upazila of Jhalokathi district, came together on Saturday morning to repair a 65-year-old iron bridge that had become structurally unsafe. The repair, carried out at around 11 a.m., was done entirely through voluntary labor and locally sourced bamboo materials, as the bridge had become too dangerous to cross.
 
Originally constructed in 1961 by the Jhalokathi District Council, the iron bridge spans the South Aura Canal in the heart of Kathalia’s upazila headquarters. Despite its strategic location near critical government institutions—such as the Public Health Engineering Office, Land Office, Secondary Education Office, BRDB, Women’s Affairs Department, schools, colleges, and madrasas—the bridge has reportedly never undergone substantial repairs in over six decades.
 
Locals said the bridge sways alarmingly under the weight of even a single person and has led to multiple accidents in recent years. Several students have fallen into the canal while trying to cross, sustaining serious injuries. Despite submitting complaints to both the Upazila Parishad and District Council, residents claim no effective steps were taken.
 
Driven by frustration and concern for public safety, the community finally took matters into their own hands by reinforcing the bridge with bamboo, allowing safer passage for now. However, residents stress that this is only a temporary fix and are calling for the immediate demolition and reconstruction of a new concrete bridge.
 
“This is not just an old bridge—it’s a lifeline for hundreds of people who access schools, government offices, and public services every day,” said one resident. “We’ve waited long enough. If the authorities won’t act, we will.”
 
When contacted, Kathalia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Zahirul Islam acknowledged the issue and confirmed that a budget of Tk 5 lakh has been allocated by the District Council for the bridge’s repair. “Renovation work will begin soon,” he assured.
 
Locals, however, argue that a full concrete bridge—not temporary repairs—is the only sustainable solution.
 
END/AIJ/SMA/