Cracks have developed on a newly-constructed bridge on Bhatgaon-Boikanthapur road in Thakurgaon Sadar upazila even before its handing over to the authorities concerned. 

Sadar Upazila Project Implementation Officer (PIO) Jahangir Alam told this correspondent over cellphone that it is not a major problem.  A small crack developed on the bridge when a power tiller hit it, he added.

Contractor Md Shajahan could not be contacted after repeated attempts as he did not receive the calls.

Cracks on the main structure of the bridge. Photo: Star

Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ruhul Amin said they received the complaint soon after completion of the work. The bill has not been paid due to the complaint, he said. 

Jahangir said the Directorate of Disaster Management invited a tender in February this year under 'The bridge culvert construction project' to build a 60-foot bridge on the road at Bhatgaon in Kandorpara village.  

Star Construction of Rangpur got the TK 55 lakh work order for the bridge that is supposed to be handed over to the PIO this month (June). 

Locals said the company completed the work in May, but several cracks have developed on the main structure before the handing over. 

Habibur Rahman of Bhatgaon Kandorpara village said several cracks have developed on the bridge as the contractor constructed the bridge hurriedly using low quality materials.

Awliapur Union Parishad member Aminul Islam said locals had complained to him that the contractor was using substandard materials and not maintaining proper proportions.

He said he informed the PIO about the matter after getting the complaints, but in vain.