In the heart of Patuakhali, the villages of Kalagachia Union and Kamalapur Union, separated by a 150-meter-wide canal, now rejoice as a newly constructed wooden bridge unites them, easing decades of hardship.
Previously, the only way to cross the Kanandi canal was by using precarious bamboo rafts or dinghy boats, posing significant risks to the villagers. Repeated pleas to the government for a bridge went unanswered until the upazila administration, with support from the local UP chairman, took action.
The new 150-meter wooden bridge spans between Kalagachia village of Kalagachia Union and Char Moishadi village of Kamalapur Union. The bridge connects two bustling communities, home to thousands, and links essential facilities on the east bank, such as two government primary schools, a secondary school, the Kalagachia Union Parishad, a health and family welfare centre, a Dakhil Madrasa, and a college, to the west bank.
For years, students and residents endured perilous crossings by boat or faced a three-mile detour during the rainy season, costing at least 50 taka each time. Initially, the villagers built a bamboo bridge over the canal, but it was unstable and difficult for women and the elderly to navigate. Eventually, this makeshift bridge deteriorated.
When the bamboo bridge finally collapsed, the local UP Chairman brought the issue to the attention of Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohiuddin Al-Helal, who recommended constructing a wooden bridge and provided funding. After two months of dedicated effort, the community built a 300-foot-long, 4-foot-wide wooden bridge, complete with sturdy tree trunks, wooden railings, and a decorative centre featuring a beautiful boat.
The bridge was inaugurated by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md. Mohiuddin Al-Helal, marking a significant moment for the villagers. "The movement of people started immediately after the inauguration," he said, highlighting the immediate impact.
Cynthia, a 10th-grade student from Char Moishadi village, expressed her relief, saying, "Earlier, I used to walk three kilometres to go to school. Now, because of this bridge, I can reach my school in just 15 minutes. Our suffering is over."
Local grocer Ibrahim echoed her sentiments, noting the positive impact on his business. "We are most benefited by the new wooden bridge. Without it, our business would suffer," he said.
Mainul Shikdar, chairman of Kalagachia Union Parishad, explained that the bridge construction cost about 4 lakh taka, funded by the upazila executive officer, with additional support from local volunteers and donations of trees. "It took 2 months to build the bridge," he noted.
Upazila executive officer Mohiuddin Al-Helal acknowledged the ongoing efforts, stating, "This canal was dangerous to cross. The upazila administration and union council have worked to alleviate this suffering. We hope to construct a permanent bridge in the future, and our efforts in that regard are continuing."
The wooden bridge stands as a testament to community resilience and cooperation, transforming a dangerous crossing into a safe and reliable pathway and enhancing the quality of life for thousands of villagers.
