Barishal: The Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) has successfully completed various development and maintenance projects across 10 upazilas in Barishal district, with an expenditure of Taka 149.18 crore over a five-month period from February to June this year.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the LGED Barishal office reported that the projects involved the development of roads, markets, social infrastructure, and the construction and maintenance of bridges and culverts. The initiative also included the excavation and re-excavation of irrigation canals, significantly improving the local infrastructure.
During the specified period, a total of 20.349 kilometers of roads were developed. This comprised 7.366 kilometers of union roads, 4.693 kilometers of rural roads, and 8.29 kilometers of paved roads that underwent widening. The road development efforts alone accounted for a total expenditure of Taka 28.48 crore.
In addition to road development, 518.38 meters of bridges and culverts were constructed at a cost of Taka 67.30 crore. Furthermore, one market and growth center was developed with an investment of Taka 3.43 crore.
The LGED also invested Taka 1.78 crore in constructing 42 social infrastructure facilities, including mosques, graveyards, and temples, across different upazilas in the district.
According to LGED data, maintenance work was carried out on 57.28 kilometers of roads to ensure they remained operational and suitable for traffic, costing an additional Taka 23.20 crore. Concurrently, 1,228.96 meters of bridges and culverts were maintained under different projects within the district's 10 upazilas, with a budget of Taka 24.43 crore.
In terms of agricultural and irrigation development, 5.17 kilometers of irrigation canals were excavated and re-excavated, costing Taka 57.28 lakh. This effort is expected to bolster agricultural productivity and irrigation capabilities in the region.
LGED sources noted that two roads were widened in the Barishal Sadar and Muladi upazilas, enhancing communication and the scenic appeal of the rural areas. Additionally, two aesthetically designed RCC arch girder bridges were constructed in Gournadi and Wazirpur upazilas, employing modern engineering techniques. These structures have simplified travel and communication for local residents.
Executive Engineer of Barishal District LGED, Mohammad Al Imran, stated to BSS that LGED's ongoing development activities aim to improve rural communications, facilitate agricultural produce transportation, and elevate living standards. The focus is not only on constructing new infrastructure but also on maintaining existing ones.
He emphasized that the development of markets, growth centers, social infrastructure, and irrigation systems is being prioritized. These initiatives are anticipated to improve communication networks in remote areas and invigorate agriculture and local economic activities.
LGED officials highlighted that the projects implemented across different upazilas are crucial in enhancing rural road connectivity, ensuring safer and more accessible transportation, and expanding infrastructure facilities at the local level.