Gazipur road worth crores collapses before opening; irregularities alleged
A section sank 15 to 20 feet within days, raising concerns over construction quality
A newly built road along the western bank of the Turag River in Kashimpur, Gazipur city, has collapsed before its inauguration yesterday (14 February), although the date for opening the road had not yet been fixed.
A large section broke apart and sank around 15 to 20 feet within days of construction, triggering anger among local residents.
The incident has also caused concern among city corporation officials. Residents alleged that low-quality materials and irregularities in the work led to the collapse.
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According to city corporation sources, the development work was undertaken in two packages for bituminous carpeting along the Turag riverbank in Kashimpur.
Under Package 12, the estimated cost for constructing 1,150 metres of road was Tk10.80 crore. However, the work order was awarded at Tk11.64 crore.
Under Package 5, the estimated cost for building 1,246 metres of road was Tk13.19 crore. The contract was awarded at Tk14.28 crore, also higher than the estimated cost.
Both packages were awarded to a contracting firm named UCCL. The work order included construction of the road, along with footpaths, railings, and a guard wall.On a visit to the site, it was seen that the road work near the Turag River in the Dhananjay Khali area of Kashimpur Ward 6 was nearing completion.
Locals said concrete was laid along the roadside a few days before the election. However, within three days, cracks appeared at several points, and a large section collapsed, sinking 15 to 20 feet.
Residents further claimed that low-quality sand and stone chips were used and that the required thickness of the concrete layer was not maintained.
Shamsur Rahman, executive engineer of the Kashimpur zone of Gazipur City Corporation (GCC), told reporters, "As the road is beside the river, this may have been caused by a natural cause. However, we are examining whether there was any flaw in the planning."
AKM Harunur Rashid, superintending engineer and project director of GCC, said they would visit the site and take necessary steps after reviewing the situation.
Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer (Joint Secretary) of GCC Muhammad Sohel Hasan said, "The incident is highly unexpected. We are examining whether there was any irregularity in the work. The administrator has instructed that strict action will be taken against those responsible if any irregularity is found."
