A 22-kilometre road development project linking Barguna town with Nishanbaria has remained incomplete for more than two years, despite an allocation of Tk32.73 crore 41 thousand for the 2024–25 fiscal year.
The project, covering the stretch from Krok Sluice to Nishanbaria, was scheduled for completion within the stipulated timeframe but has seen little visible progress, prompting protests from locals.
On Monday, residents erected bamboo barricades and blocked the road for nearly three hours, halting traffic completely in protest against delays and alleged irregularities in the work.
Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) Barguna Sadar Upazila Engineer Md Saiful Islam rushed to the scene after receiving news of the blockade.
Angry protesters confronted him, and police later escorted him to safety as tensions rose.
According to local sources, the road, which connects one upazila and four unions with Barguna town, has long been left dug up and partially covered with brick chips.
In several sections, the stone and brick materials have eroded, creating deep potholes and making the road hazardous.
Residents said minor and major accidents occur almost daily, while dust from loose brick chips during the dry season has made life difficult for commuters, students and pedestrians.
LGED sources said the work order was awarded in March 2024 to two contractors — Barendra Construction and Zakaullah and Brothers.
Despite the passage of the deadline, significant portions of the project remain unfinished.
Locals alleged that low-quality materials are being used and that complaints lodged with the upazila engineering office have not led to effective action.
They said they no longer want assurances but visible progress on the ground.
Charpara village resident Hafiz said the road carries heavy traffic every day and prolonged construction has pushed public suffering to the extreme.
He said the use of substandard materials has caused excessive dust, affecting people’s health, and added that residents were compelled to blockade the road.
Auto-rickshaw driver Jasim Uddin said he once had to assist in the delivery of a baby inside his vehicle while transporting a pregnant passenger to hospital because the poor road condition delayed their arrival.
Attempts to contact representatives of Barendra Construction and Zakaullah and Brothers by phone were unsuccessful, as calls were disconnected after journalists identified themselves.
LGED Barguna Sadar Upazila Engineer Md Saiful Islam said work would resume from Friday and that two of the four packages had already been completed.
He said efforts would be made to finish the remaining work before the monsoon season.
