This question is now being posed by many town dwellers as the two main thoroughfares in the town are virtually unusable because of random digging.

Moulvibazar municipality has simultaneously started work on development of the two main roard-- the M Saifur Rahman Road (central road) and Dr Syed Mujtaba Ali Road (old hospital road).

Sources said the projects were approved in the last financial year and the work was scheduled to begin in March. But it began a few weeks ago.

This is not only causing sufferings to the people but also affecting business and movement of inter-district vehicular traffic, many people including businessmen and transport owners said.

All the big markets in the town and inter-district bus stands are on the two roads. The affected residents expressed annoyance because of what they alleged very slow progress in work.

The municipal authorities, when contacted, said they are implementing 75 projects for development of roads, footpaths and culverts etc.

For this, they have closed Syed Mujtaba Ali Road for vehicular traffic. The Saifur Rahman Road is open for traffic but it is virtually unusable even by rickshaw as it has been dug at so many points and construction materials piled up on it.

The situation turns worse after a mild shower, when it becomes difficult even for pedestrians.

However, Moulvibazar Pourashava Chairman Fayzul Karim said the two roads are not closed for vehicular traffic though development work is continuing. He refuted the allegation of slow pace in work. The work is going on as scheduled, he said.

The work is scheduled to be completed by December.

But it was gathered that the work will continue much beyond the deadline as most of the electric and telephone poles are on the roads, which have to be relocated.

A little suffering is unavoidable for development, Karim said seeking cooperation of the town dwellers to complete the work.