Jhalokathi, Sept 26 (V7N) – Thousands of residents in Kathalia upazila headquarters of Jhalokathi are facing severe hardship as one of the area’s two main roads has remained closed for a long time, while the other is riddled with potholes and has become increasingly difficult to use.

The poor condition of the roads has reportedly contributed to frequent minor and major accidents. Local residents are also concerned that there is no alternative route for fire service vehicles or ambulances to reach parts of the upazila headquarters in emergencies.

Local sources said there are two main roads connecting different parts of the upazila town. Renovation work on the old road began in 2023 under an urban development project. However, the work was halted after a dispute arose because part of the road falls on land under the local police station.

The police station authorities reportedly declined to hand over the required portion of the land. Although work on both ends of the road was completed, the middle section remains closed, making the road unusable for all types of vehicles.

The second road, which runs along a canal, has also remained unrepaired for years and is now in poor condition. In 2014, a contractor named Sourav Traders renovated a one-kilometre stretch from in front of the police station through the upazila parishad area to the launch terminal. No further repair work has been carried out since then, according to local sources.

The road is now covered with numerous potholes, making even walking difficult.

Reshma Akter, a Class 10 student at Kathalia Pilot Model High School, said students face particular difficulties during the rainy season.

“We have to travel between the launch terminal and school through knee-deep dirty water and mud. Our clothes become soaked and covered with mud, making it difficult to concentrate on our studies in class,” she said.

Local businessman Shamim Hossain said transporting goods had become extremely difficult because of the potholes.

“The road needs urgent repairs, but no one seems to be taking responsibility for the situation,” he said.

Khalilur Rahman, owner of Tanu Store, said the poor road condition could create serious problems during emergencies.

“If a fire breaks out around the upazila town or parishad, there is no way for a fire service vehicle to enter. The same problem arises when an ambulance is needed for a seriously ill person,” he said.

Upazila Youth Development Officer Md Kamrul Islam said the poor road condition was also affecting government employees and residents.

“If an officer or employee of the upazila parishad suddenly falls ill, it becomes difficult to take them for treatment quickly. Because of the condition of the roads, many people are reluctant to live here with their families,” he said.

Kathalia Police Station Officer-in-Charge Abu Naser Raihan said the middle section of the old road lies on land under the police station.

“We have constructed a boundary wall after leaving nine feet of land on the northern side and five feet on the southern side for the road. However, the adjoining land belongs to local residents. If they provide the required land, the road can be reopened,” he said.

Upazila Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) engineer Golam Mostofa acknowledged the poor condition of the road and said steps had already been taken for its repair.

“The only road in the upazila town has not been repaired for a long time. After joining this office, I prepared an estimate for its renovation and sent it to the district office,” he said.

Kathalia Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Mokbul Hossain said necessary steps were being taken to start repair work on the road as soon as possible.

For residents of Kathalia, however, the deteriorating roads remain a daily source of inconvenience and concern, particularly when emergency access is required.

END/MAI/SMA/