Tk 90 Million Gazipur Road Collapses After Three Months

A newly constructed road in Gazipur’s Sreepur Upazila, built at a cost of approximately Tk 90 million, has partially collapsed barely three months after completion, raising serious questions about construction quality, project oversight and the use of public funds.

Around one kilometre of the 5.5-kilometre Rajabari–Damdama road has subsided near the Suti River in Chinashukania village, with large cracks appearing at several locations. Protective concrete blocks installed along the riverbank have also begun breaking apart and slipping into the river, creating safety concerns for motorists and local residents.

The road project was initiated in 2021 to improve connectivity between Rajabari and Damdama under Prahladpur Union, providing a more efficient transport link for residents travelling to Sreepur and surrounding areas. Messrs Salam Traders was awarded the construction contract.

Although the project was originally scheduled for completion in 2024, the deadline was extended, and construction was finally completed in 2026. Local residents say the road began showing signs of structural failure within just three months of being opened to traffic.

A visit to the site revealed extensive damage along the riverbank section. In addition to visible cracks, parts of the road have already collapsed into the river. Workers employed by the contractor were seen attempting temporary repairs by placing soil and sandbags in the affected areas rather than carrying out permanent engineering solutions.

Residents have expressed deep concern over the condition of the road, alleging that poor workmanship and inadequate supervision are responsible for the failure.

Mohsinul Islam, a local resident, said the damage had progressed rapidly despite the road being newly completed.

“It has only been three months since the project was finished, yet nearly one kilometre of the road has already collapsed. Large sections have fallen into the river, making travel extremely risky. The contractor is simply dumping sandbags there, but that is hardly going to save the road,” he said.

Another resident, Sirajul Islam of Damdama village, claimed the problems originated during construction.

“Shortly after the road was completed, it began sinking. The damage has continued to worsen, and large cracks have appeared. Before construction started, the riverbank was filled with sand and soil almost overnight. Because the foundation was not compacted properly, the road has failed. The authorities also failed to supervise the work adequately,” he alleged.

Lutfur Rahman, another villager, said local people had raised objections during construction but were ignored.

“We protested from the beginning. The concrete blocks were joined using weak sand-based materials, which is why the joints are coming apart and the blocks are falling into the river. When residents objected, people associated with the contractor allegedly intimidated and threatened them. Many remained silent out of fear,” he claimed.

Responding to the allegations, Abdus Salam, proprietor of Messrs Salam Traders, acknowledged that part of the road had subsided after completion but insisted that the contractor remained responsible for repairs during the defect liability period.

“The road has settled in some places a few months after completion. Although the final payment has been received, our security deposit will remain with the authorities for two years. Whenever the road is damaged, we will repair it. I do not see what the problem is,” he said.

Sreepur Upazila Engineer Md Touhid Ahmed said officials had already inspected the damaged section after receiving reports of the collapse.

He explained that permanent repair work could not begin immediately because of the monsoon season. Although the contractor has received payment for the project, around 10 per cent of the retained security deposit, amounting to nearly Tk 10 million, remains with the authorities. That fund can be used to finance repairs if necessary.

The engineer also confirmed that the quality of the construction would be examined.

“We have sent officials to inspect the site. Permanent repair work is not feasible during the rainy season. If our investigation finds evidence of substandard construction, appropriate action will be taken against the contractor,” he said.

The incident has intensified concerns over the implementation and monitoring of publicly funded infrastructure projects. Local residents are demanding a comprehensive technical investigation to determine whether engineering standards were compromised and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable if negligence or poor-quality construction is proven.