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Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Young volunteers in Singur village, Bangladesh, repaired two village roads using voluntary labor and community fundraising.
- The roads, previously deteriorated and waterlogged, connect the village to a main paved road and are vital for residents' access to services.
- The initiative, praised by local authorities, plans further improvements and seeks government support for infrastructure like culverts.
In Singur village, Kulaura upazila of Moulvibazar, a group of young volunteers has taken initiative to repair two crucial village roads. Through their own labor and community fundraising, they have brought relief to thousands of residents who previously struggled with the damaged infrastructure. The roads, each approximately half a kilometer long, serve as a vital link between Singur village and the Kulaura-Bhatera paved road. Originally laid with bricks about 12 years ago under a government project, the roads had fallen into disrepair, developing significant potholes and becoming waterlogged during the monsoon season. The voluntary organization, Purbo Singur Notun Kuri Club, successfully raised around Tk 1 lakh from locals working abroad and affluent residents to procure necessary materials like bricks and sand. Approximately 30 to 40 members dedicated their mornings from mid-June to complete the renovation work, which concluded on Wednesday. They also reinforced about 300 feet of the junction where the village roads meet the main highway using cement concrete. Residents highlighted the long-standing difficulties caused by the damaged roads, including challenges in reaching hospitals, transporting paddy from the nearby Hakaluki Haor, and commuting to school, especially during the rainy season. The organization now plans to clear silted drains along the roads. They have also appealed to the government for the construction of two culverts and protective walls to mitigate future damage from heavy rainfall and upstream flooding. Khorshed Ahmed Khan, Chairman of Baramchal Union Parishad, expressed unawareness of the voluntary road repair work. However, Kulaura Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanjida Akhter commended the initiative, calling it "truly commendable." Both officials indicated that authorities would take necessary steps to improve the roads if the organization or local residents formally approached them.
truly commendable
Originally published by Daily Star. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.