A 45-metre bridge over a stream connecting the Teliapara-Shahpur road in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj has remained incomplete for three years after the construction deadline expired in November 2022.

Although the main structure is finished, the approach road on one end is yet to be built, making the bridge inaccessible. As a result, thousands of locals, including schoolchildren, elderly people, and tea garden workers, risk injuries daily while crossing the stream.

The earthen approach road on the southern end has collapsed due to erosion, forcing residents to climb steep slopes to cross the stream. Vehicles, including ambulances, cannot reach the area, leaving the villages practically cut off.

"I once slipped and hurt my feet when going to school," said 14-year-old Munna Tanti.

Chitta Ranjan Debbarma, headman of Sathchari village, said the only alternative route adds four kilometres to their journey.

"We cannot take patients to hospitals or goods to markets," he added.

The LGED started the Tk 3 crore project in mid-2020, awarding the work to M/s Hasan Enterprises, but three years past the deadline, it remains non-functional.

The contractor has already withdrawn Tk 2.42 crore, alleged locals.

Contractor Nasir Mia admitted the delay and said the bridge's approach road, guard wall, and protection works were delayed due to bad weather. "I want to complete everything within this month," he said.

Faridur Rahman, executive engineer of LGED in Habiganj, said, "We've instructed the contractor to complete the remaining work within this month. If the deadline is missed again, action will be taken, including cancellation of the contract."