Sylhet, Oct 02 (V7N)- The streets of Awatdin in the Sylhet City Corporation have deteriorated significantly due to continuous flooding, leaving roads filled with large potholes and making them almost impassable. Heavy rains and floodwaters have worsened the condition, leading to accidents, vehicle damage, and daily travel disruptions for residents and commuters. Most of the major roads in Sylhet are in such poor condition that vehicles are forced to navigate the treacherous ditches, often at great risk.

Residents have expressed growing frustration as no significant repairs have been made, despite repeated appeals. The latest round of floods this year has left the roads severely damaged, with only a few sections, such as Pathantula, seeing minor repairs. In some places, the road conditions resemble freshly tilled fields, unusable for vehicles or pedestrians.

A prime example is the road from Taltala Point to Surma Market, which has become nearly impossible to cross, impacting hundreds of commuters daily. Local traders report that the poor road conditions are affecting their businesses, especially in areas like Kalighat, where long-distance vehicles frequently pass through.

"We can’t drive without risk. The holes have become ponds after the rains, and navigating them is near impossible," said Belal Mia, a CNG autorickshaw driver, sharing the frustrations of many drivers across the city.

The roads from Mirabazar to Shibganj, and from Shivganj to Tilagarh, which connect to significant landmarks such as MC College and other tourist spots, are equally problematic. Roads leading from Madhuban Super Market to Shishu Park and Ambarkhana to Tilagarh are also filled with potholes, often causing vehicles to overturn. Several accidents have already been reported due to these dangerous conditions.

Local officials, including Chief Executive Engineer of Sylhet City Corporation, Noor Azizur Rahman, have acknowledged the dire state of the roads. “We are aware of the situation and see the suffering daily. After the floods in 2022, we submitted a project worth Tk 488 crore for sustainable road development in Sylhet, but we only received Tk 2 crore. The current national context has limited our ability to address these challenges," Rahman stated.

Sylhet residents, like Javed Ahmad of Kharpara, expressed disappointment with the city's lack of action. “Former mayor Ariful Haque Chowdhury widened the main roads, but many areas remain neglected. The lane next to Arjad Ali Mosque has become impassable, with deep potholes everywhere.”

The city faces a pressing need for significant infrastructure repair, but with limited funds and ongoing challenges from recent floods, residents continue to bear the brunt of poor road conditions.

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