RAJSHAHI, July 28 (V7N) – Allegations of serious irregularities and the use of substandard construction materials have emerged in a road development project under Godagari Municipality in Rajshahi. Local residents have halted the construction work in protest, demanding a durable and quality road.
The residents obstructed the work at Sultanganj area around 11:00 am on Sunday, protesting what they described as poor-quality construction.
According to municipal sources, the project involves the construction of a road, drainage system, and a bridge from Godagari Police Station to Gangobari Petrol Pump. The project, costing around Tk 20 crore, is being implemented by contractor firm ‘Eliza Enterprise’.
Currently, construction work is underway on the section from Kacharipara Harun’s Mill area to Gangobari Petrol Pump.
Local residents alleged that the contractor has been using low-quality materials in violation of the project specifications. Jamil Ahmed, a resident of Gangobari area, expressed frustration, saying, “The quality of this road construction is extremely poor. The work is not being carried out according to the approved schedule. The municipality’s role in monitoring the project appears to be almost absent.”
Another resident, Abul Kashem from Alkar Mor area, said the previous road was in better condition than the newly constructed one.
“The contractor is not using the required amount of sand and brick chips as mentioned in the project specifications. Instead of sand, soil and poor-quality brick fragments are being used for filling the road. If the work continues this way, the road will be damaged during the first rainy season,” he said.
He added that local residents collectively stopped the construction work demanding the use of proper materials and ensuring a sustainable road.
When contacted regarding the allegations and the residents’ protest, Acting Secretary and Assistant Engineer of Godagari Municipality Sarwar Jahan Mukul acknowledged the complaints.
“We have found evidence of irregularities and the use of substandard materials in the road construction work. The local residents’ protest and concerns are justified,” he said.
He further said the issue was being taken seriously and the contractor had been strictly instructed to complete the work according to the required standards. “No substandard work beyond the approved specifications will be tolerated,” he added.
Local residents demanded that the poor-quality work be stopped immediately and that the road be completed according to the project specifications using proper construction materials. They warned of launching a larger movement if their demands are not addressed.
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