Jhalakathi, MAY 26 (V7N) – Widespread irregularities have been alleged in a road renovation project costing Tk 3.5 million, being carried out under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in Rajapur, Jhalakathi. Locals claim that low-quality construction materials and insufficient bitumen have been used in the renovation of the approximately 1,920-meter-long road, located from the west side of Katakhali Bridge in Galua Union of the upazila.

On-site inspection and conversations with locals revealed that the project is being implemented by the contractor 'Siam Traders.' Accusations include the use of substandard brick chips in various sections of the road and carpeting with less bitumen than required. Despite the presence of a supervisory agency, it has reportedly failed to take any effective action, leading to anger and frustration among residents.

Locals complained that their objections to the quality of work have been ignored since the beginning. They fear that the road will deteriorate quickly due to continued work in adverse weather conditions and the use of inferior construction materials.

In response, Mahmudur Rahman, the contractor for the work, stated, "This is LGED's GOV maintenance project. Tk 3.5 million has been allocated for this 1920-foot-long road. Although the estimate calls for 25 millimeters of bitumen, we are making it 27 millimeters. Everything is being done according to the rules. Rather, some local people demanded money unethically, and now they are complaining because they were not given it."

However, Ujjwal Hossain, a work assistant at the Rajapur LGED office who is responsible for supervising the project, claimed, "I don't know anything about the use of low-quality brick kilns. Engineer Sir has taken all the decisions, I am just supervising."

Meanwhile, Rajapur Upazila LGED Engineer Abhijit Mondal said, "If there are any irregularities in the work, an investigation will be conducted, and necessary action will be taken."

Jhalakathi District LGED Executive Engineer Md. Shahidul Islam Sarkar confirmed, "After receiving verbal complaints that the road work is of poor quality, the Upazila Engineer was asked to go and inspect the site. Another senior official was sent with him. So far, the contractor has not been billed a single taka. If irregularities are proven after investigation, no bill will be issued."

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