Unfinished pillars stand in the middle of the river as islanders wait for connectivity
For the people of Koriardia, an isolated island in Pekua upazila of Cox’s Bazar, a bridge over the Ujantia River was supposed to transform their lives by connecting them directly with the mainland.
But nearly two decades after construction began, the Ujantia-Koriardia bridge remains unfinished, with several concrete pillars standing in the middle of the river as reminders of a long-delayed project.
Construction of the approximately 180-metre bridge began in May 2006 under the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED) to establish direct road connectivity between Ujantia union and Koriardia. The pillars were built, but work was later halted and, despite successive changes in government, the project did not move forward.
A visit to the site found cement bags lying abandoned for years, hardened into stone-like lumps. Iron rods have rusted, and several parts of the pillars show signs of deterioration, raising questions about whether the structures can still be used.
Local sources said the project was initiated by then communications state minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who laid the foundation stone. The estimated cost was Tk 5.45 crore, and M/s Chakori Construction was awarded the contract. According to locals, construction stopped after the political changeover in 2007, when the contractor went into hiding, and the contract was later cancelled.
Signs of decay
Locals said river currents had damaged some portions, while iron rods from parts of the pillars had allegedly been removed by criminals. They also alleged that the project, initiated during the BNP-led coalition government, did not receive due priority under the subsequent Awami League government, and said development projects should not be treated as any political party’s property.
Boats remain the only means of crossing
Koriardia is home to around 10,000 people, according to local sources. Ujantia union of Pekua lies on one side of the river and Matarbari union of Moheshkhali on the other. Without road connectivity, boats remain the main transport for islanders.
Students, traders and workers cross the river regularly. Difficulties are particularly severe for patients, children and the elderly, and rough monsoon conditions or bad weather can delay emergency medical treatment. The lack of connectivity also affects the local economy, as producers and traders of salt, shrimp and agricultural products spend extra time and money transporting goods.
Locals seek an end to two decades of waiting
Advocate Mir Mosharraf Hossain Titu, a native of Ujantia union and public prosecutor of the Cox’s Bazar Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, said locals had repeatedly submitted written applications to the district administration and relevant ministries seeking the bridge. He said a Roads and Highways Department delegation visited in 2013 and assured locals a bridge would be built, but no visible progress followed. He said completion would improve connectivity and create opportunities for trade, education, healthcare and economic activity.
Anwar Hossain Emjaru, a former Ujantia union parishad member, said the bridge would end longstanding suffering and reduce transport costs for salt and shrimp. Locals had organised human chains, contacted government offices and sought media attention several times without an effective solution, he said. He alleged that political rivalry and concerns over which party would get credit contributed to the delay.
Existing structure no longer considered usable
Pekua LGED engineer Robiul Hossain said the project was scheduled for completion by April 30, 2010, but the contractor’s work order was cancelled after it failed to be completed on time. An inspection found several portions of the old foundations and pillars deteriorated, so officials believe the structures may no longer be technically suitable. He said a revised Development Project Proposal (DPP) for a new bridge has been sent to the relevant ministry.
Fresh initiative brings hope
Safwanul Karim, personal press secretary to Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, the lawmaker from the Chakaria-Pekua-Matamuhuri constituency, said the home minister had taken an initiative to revive the project, which was halted after the political change following its 2006 start. A proposal recommending construction of the bridge and renovation of the connecting road has been sent to the Local Government Ministry, and he hopes construction could begin once procedures are completed.
Locals want a technical assessment, a new project and funds allocated without political or administrative delays, regardless of which government initiated it.
Delwar Hossain, Pekua
