Maheshpur:Renovation work on a crucial road leading to the village of Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman in Maheshpur has been delayed for 18 months, causing significant difficulties for residents of about 20 villages in Jhenaidah and Chuadanga districts. The contractor responsible for the project has not initiated the renovation despite the expiration of the contractual deadline.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the road's poor condition has persisted for more than four years, with its asphalt and brick chips deteriorating into potholes. This situation worsens during rain, when the potholes fill with water and sections of the road become muddy, hindering vehicle passage. The road's condition often leads to accidents involving small vehicles such as vans, easy bikes, and motorcycles.
Mustafizur Rahman, the nephew of Birshreshtha Hamidur Rahman, highlighted that a tender was issued on September 24 of the previous year to address the road's condition. However, the contractor, Rafiqul Islam, delayed the work on various grounds, and the deadline passed on April 13 without any progress. Local educator Shamim Hossain noted that the road is vital for thousands of daily users, including students, and its poor state often results in vehicles overturning. Abdul Gafur, a resident, emphasized the daily struggle for people from numerous villages who rely on the road.
Maheshpur Upazila Engineer Md Azizul Haque confirmed that the contract with the initial contractor had been cancelled due to inactivity. The process for retendering is currently underway to engage a new contractor, with hopes to commence the renovation soon.