Moynul Haque Mridha, Rajbari

Allegations of irregularities have been made in the construction of a municipal garbage dumping station in the Notunpara area of Ujanchar Union in Goalanda Upazila of Rajbari. The use of low-quality construction materials, non-compliance with prescribed engineering standards, and lack of proper supervision have raised anger and concern among the locals.

According to local sources, the contractor Bismillah Traders is implementing the construction of roads and related infrastructure at a cost of about 15.9 million taka to facilitate transportation in the municipality's dumping zone. However, allegations of various irregularities have been emerging since the beginning of the work.

There are allegations that instead of using bricks of the prescribed quality, low-quality bricks were used in the construction of the road. In addition, although a prime coat was supposed to be given before carpeting as per the rules, it was not applied properly. Locals claim that the pitch has started to rise in various places of the road due to the use of a small amount of tack coat instead.

Local residents said that low-quality bricks were also used in the guide wall built along the road. This has raised questions about the durability and quality of the construction work. They alleged that the contractor is carrying out the work as he pleases due to the lack of effective supervision by the concerned authorities.

A site visit at 10 am on Saturday (June 20) revealed that no government officials or employees were present during the construction work, raising new questions about the project's supervision and quality control.

Locals demand that no irregularities should be tolerated in this project implemented with public funds. They have called for a speedy verification of the quality of construction work, an impartial investigation of the complaints, and necessary action against those responsible.

Contractor Md. Sobahan said, "I told the driver to bring brick number 1, but they mistakenly brought brick number 2, so we sent them back." He added, "We want to do a good job."

In this regard, Upazila Public Health Engineer Md. Shahidul Islam said on the phone, "Number one brick was supposed to be used for road work. The contractor brought number two bricks, which I have rejected and ordered to be sent back. Number two bricks were also brought for the guide wall, but that was also not accepted."

He further said, "There are potholes in various places on the road, which need to be fixed. Some parts have been damaged due to rain as the guide wall was not constructed earlier. 

Goalanda Upazila Executive Officer Sathi Das said that the work is the responsibility of the Public Health Engineering Department. The work is supposed to be handed over to the Goalanda Municipality after completion. 

The Upazila Public Health Engineer will supervise the work. Even then, after receiving the news, a complaint has been made to the Upazila Public Health Engineer and Executive Engineer, Public Health Department, Rajbari. They said that necessary measures will be taken. It has been decided to stop the work for now. The contractor has been asked to start the work later, keeping the quality of the construction materials in check.