Nearly five years after construction began, a bridge in Patuakhali that was meant to improve connectivity remains unusable, leaving around 10,000 residents of eight villages struggling with daily hardships.

Initiated by the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) in 2021 at a cost of about Tk 3.5 crore, the bridge was designed to connect Kuripaika with neighbouring Bhuria Union and ease transportation for local residents.

Although the main structure has largely been completed, the absence of approach roads on both sides has prevented the bridge from being opened to traffic.

Locals  are being forced to use temporary wooden ladders to cross the structure, exposing themselves to safety risks on a daily basis.

“I was going to Patuakhali Sadar Hospital for treatment when I slipped from the wooden ladder while trying to climb the bridge,” said Ramzan Ali, a resident of Kuripaika village.

“Fortunately, I was not seriously injured, but I could not continue my journey that day. Crossing the bridge is extremely difficult for elderly people like us,” he said.

Local people said residents of at least eight villages—Kuripaika, Bhuria, East Kuripaika, West Kuripaika, Kamalapur and Soula—depend on the route for their daily movement.

Students, farmers, fishermen, traders and office-goers use the crossing as one of the area’s key communication links.

Md Jahangir Hossain, another resident, said locals had hoped the bridge would transform communication in the area within a few years of the project’s launch.

“Now we have a bridge that we cannot use. Instead of reducing our suffering, it has added to our problems,” he said.

For students, the unfinished bridge has become a daily source of anxiety.

Tania Akter, a student of Kuripaika Secondary School, said she has to cross the bridge every day to attend classes.

“Climbing up and down the ladder is frightening. It becomes even more dangerous during rain, and sometimes I arrive late at school,” she said.

Guardians also expressed concern about the safety of schoolchildren.

“Children are risking their lives every day while travelling to school. We constantly worry about accidents,” said Abdul Malek, a local guardian.

The situation worsens during the monsoon season, when muddy and waterlogged roads around the bridge make movement even more difficult.

Residents said transporting emergency patients to hospitals and carrying agricultural produce to markets becomes particularly challenging during this period.

Farmer Harun Mia said poor transportation facilities have increased costs and reduced profits.

“We often fail to get fair prices for our paddy, vegetables and other produce because transporting them to markets is so difficult,” he said.

Residents alleged that construction work progressed slowly and remained suspended on several occasions over the years, causing frustration among local people.

They demanded immediate completion of the approach roads and the remaining work so that the bridge can finally be opened to the public.

Executive engineer of LGED in Patuakhali said the project was delayed due to a number of technical and administrative complications.

“Efforts are underway to resolve the issues. The remaining work, including the approach roads, will be completed as quickly as possible and the bridge will be opened to the public,” he said.

The official added that the project is being closely monitored and necessary instructions have been given to expedite its completion.