Under construction road develops potholes in Manikganj

A one and a half kilometre stretch of a key city road in Manikganj Sadar has become unsafe for commuters after several of its newly built uni-block sections sank before the road development project reached completion.

Moreover, raised reinforced cement concrete (RCC) drain covers and manhole lids have exacerbated the difficulties faced by motorcycle, rickshaw, and auto-rickshaw drivers. Locals blame poor supervision and weak quality control for these issues.

According to the municipality, the Second City Region Development Project (CRDP-2) was launched in 2022 to dredge and beautify a canal, install RCC drainage pipelines, build uni-block road, three bridges and a public toilet, and upgrade key roads.

With an initial budget of about Tk 251 million, the work was awarded to Apex Enterprise and M/S Kamrul and Brothers (JV). Although June 2024 was the deadline, the contractors failed to finish the work on time. The project cost was later increased by Tk 30 million and deadlines were extended several times, but concerns about construction quality persisted.

A visit to the spot showed that nearly half a kilometre of road from the district judge court to Manikganj Model High School, as well as a one-kilometre section from Bazar Bridge to Sadar Police Station, was covered with uni-blocks after new drainage work. Within months, parts of the surface sank in multiple places.

Potholes formed in several areas, and even light rain caused waterlogging. Additionally, many RCC drain and manhole covers sit higher than the road surface, creating serious risks for vehicles.

"We are very disappointed with how the municipality handled this work," said a resident Ananda Sarker. "The project started in 2022, but there has been little visible progress. The two major city roads done with uni-blocks are already showing how poorly the work was executed."

Motorcyclist Saiful Islam said the stretch of road has new drainage lines with uni-blocks on top. "Within a few months, several points have already sunk. Rickshaw, auto, and motorcycle drivers struggle to move safely."

Flower shop workers near the Lawyers' Building-2 area said a pedestrian was injured after falling into a sunken section. Alamgir also said that a prison van tilted after its wheel got stuck in one of the sunken spots.

Auto-rickshaw driver Selim Mia said the uneven surface is now a daily struggle. "We face trouble every day. When two vehicles come from opposite directions, it becomes dangerous because everyone tries to avoid potholes and raised slabs, and sometimes this leads to collisions."The damaged road sections have also caused regular traffic congestion in several parts of the city. Local traders say neither the municipality nor the contractors have taken visible steps to fix the issue.

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