Bangladesh built a bridge for thousands of villagers. Six years later, it still lacks approach roads.

A bridge built for Tk 2.82 crore (approximately $227,800) in southern Bangladesh has remained virtually unusable for six years because it lacks approach roads, forcing thousands of villagers to make dangerous daily crossings.

The reinforced concrete bridge spans the Banshbariya-Bogi Canal along the border of Dashmina and Bauphal upazilas in Patuakhali. Residents from at least 11 villages use temporary brick steps to climb onto its deck.

“During the rainy season, the brick steps become extremely slippery. Several accidents have already occurred, yet no permanent solution has been implemented,” resident Mashiur Rahman Labu said.

The Local Government Engineering Department said a design flaw halted construction of the approach roads. Engineer Md Mokbul Hossain said a revised design had been approved and work would begin after the tender process. He did not provide a completion date.