C T Online Desk: Most of the government offices, residences and regional roads of Bandarban district were inundated in one of the most devastating floods in the history of the district due to continuous heavy rains for eight days.
About 300km of 900km of roads under the jurisdiction of the district Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) have been damaged in the flood.
According to LGED office sources, there are 900km of roads in the district including Khansama-Baghmara road, Haludiya-Bhagyakul road, Thanchi-Balipara, Ruma-Palika Para road, Alikadam-Dochari road, Naikhongchhari-Alikadam road, Naikhongchhari-Tumbru DC road, Lama-Sualak road, Aziznagar road, Faitong road, Kalighata-Taracha road and Rowangchhari-Liragaon road.
About 300km of them have been damaged in the recent downpours, which will cost more than Tk1,500 crore to repair, according to the sources.
Apart from this, the office and equipment of the LGED have also been damaged. Repairing the office may cost the government more than Tk20 lakh.
During a visit, this correspondent saw that most of the damaged parts of the roads of the LGED had collapsed due to the soil underneath being washed away by floodwater.
Some roads collapsed due to landslides making them unusable.
In the meantime, local residents who travel on these roads on a regular basis are suffering.
According to locals, most of these roads have become unfit for traffic. Even walking has become difficult on these damaged roads. If the roads are not repaired quickly, major traffic accidents can occur.
Truck driver Md Ibrahim said this year the LGED roads of Bandarban have been damaged more than in previous years. If they are not repaired it will not be possible to operate vehicles on the roads. Still, they are driving the vehicles with great difficulty and risking their lives.
Bandarban LGED Executive Engineer Md Ziaul Islam Majumdar said the damaged roads will be repaired soon.
Around Tk1,500 crore is required to repair these roads. Along with this, more than Tk20 lakh will be spent on repairing the LGED office, said the official.
“We have sent the proposal. I will start work as soon as I get allotment,” said the LGED engineer.
