Ferry service at Lebukhali terminal threatened

BANGLADESH NEWS

Ferry service at Labukhali terminal on Patuakhali-Barisal road is under threat due to river erosion at the onset of the rains as a portion of the protection embankment near the terminal collapsed on Monday.

Earlier in August last year, a point of the embankment just beside the ferry terminal collapsed, making the station highly vulnerable.

Fresh crack developed on the flood protection embankment near the gangway of Labukhali ferry terminal on Patuakhali-Barisal road on Monday noon and over 100 feet area of the embankment collapsed in the evening, said locals and Water Development Board (WDB) officials.

"With fresh collapse in the protection embankment, the gangway of the ferry ghat has turned too risky. In August last year, the main point of the embankment collapsed but it is yet to be repaired," said Abdul Kuddus, supervisor of Lebukhali ferry terminal.

The road communication between Patuakhali and Barisal may stop any time if the gangway of the terminal has to be removed from the riverbank, he said.

Lebukhali ferry station bears much importance as it is on Kuakata-Dhaka highway.

"We are worried as the erosion of the protection embankment may cause suspension of road communication if authorities fail to take necessary step," said Awal Farazee, a local businessman.

A number of families will also become homeless if the embankment cannot be protected, said Abul Hossain Howlader, another local.

When contacted, Md Siddiqur Rahman, executive engineer of Patuakhali WDB, said, "We have already taken primary steps to protect the ferry station by putting some concrete blocks at the damaged site. We will take long-term steps to save the spot as soon as possible."