Mawa Old Ferry Ghat Road Neglected as Four Authorities Refuse Repairs

The connection road of the Mawa old ferry ghat in Lauhajang upazila of Munshiganj has fallen into a state of severe disrepair, causing immense hardship for locals, traders, and daily commuters. Despite the critical condition of the route, four different government agencies—the Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), the Roads and Highways Department (RHD), the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), and the Padma Bridge Authority—are all unwilling to take responsibility for its much-needed renovation and maintenance.

According to verified reports, the road is approximately 60 to 70 years old. Local sources, including Abdul Halim Sheikh, have expressed astonishment that this historical roadway still lacks an official code number. As a result of prolonged neglect and a complete lack of systematic upkeep, the bricks have shifted across various sections of the roadway, resulting in widespread potholes and dangerous ditches that threaten public safety.

Local businesses and transport workers are bearing the brunt of the infrastructure collapse. There are more than three hundred business establishments situated around the local market and the affected roadway. Sanjib Khan, a local observer, remarked on the dire situation, stating that the terrible condition of the road next to the Padma Bridge is almost unimaginable.

Sujon Mia, an auto-rickshaw driver representing the community of approximately 200 to 250 drivers who ply this route, recalled that bricks were hastily laid in a single day right before the inauguration of the Padma Bridge on June 25, 2022, as a temporary measure. He noted that no further work has been done since then, and the resulting potholes frequently cause accidents, occasionally overturning auto-rickshaws and injuring passengers.

Representatives from the relevant state institutions have continuously deflected accountability. MM Hanif of the Roads and Highways Department stated that the road does not fall under their jurisdiction, noting that the BIWTA used it in the past, though RHD could arrange repairs if upper management issues directives and budget allocations are secured. Meanwhile, Niaz Mohammad Khan of BIWTA maintained that the road was under their authority when the old ferry ghat was operational, but once the ferry terminal was relocated to Shimulia, it left their jurisdiction and is now under the Padma Bridge Authority.

However, Abu Sad Niloy countered this claim, asserting that all roads under the bridge authority's purview are in good condition and that the specific Mawa connection road does not fall under their jurisdiction. At the local level, Abdul Halim Sheikh explained that the Union Parishad lacks the financial capacity to repair the road using its own funds, noting that paving or reconstruction is only possible if the Upazila Parishad allocates the necessary budget.