How long does it take to instal pipes?

The construction work of a 400-metre drain pipe in Alexander Castle area of Mymensingh city is yet to be completed, even though four months have gone by. As a result, hundreds of students are facing trouble getting to school as many institutions are located in that area.

Faridpur Jannat Construction, the company assigned for the job, started the construction as a part of Mymensingh City Corporation's (MCC) development project in May this year.

A huge hole has been dug at the road entrance over three months ago, but the work is still incomplete. Besides, huge ring culverts were kept on the road adjacent to the site for days, hampering free movement of pedestrians, said locals.

Workers claimed the work has been halted for over 20 days to save some big tress and a boundary wall adjacent to the site.

There are over 3,000 enrolled students in three educational institutions, namely Mymensingh Teachers Training College (Male), Government Laboratory High School and pre-primary school "Shishu Kanon".

Besides, Higher Secondary Teachers Training Institute (HSTTI) and several government offices are also located in the area.

Anjuman Ara Begum, headteacher of Govt Laboratory High School, said, "I spoke to the administration officials and MCC about this, but now, I'm tired of the constant enquiry as they don't treat the situation with urgency."

"There's big hole at the starting point of the road, which is dangerous for students and pedestrians," she added.

In recent monsoon, the students' sufferings reached its highest peak and it was difficult to reach their destination smoothly, said some students while talking to this correspondent.

Contacted, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam Miah, MCC executive engineer, said he visited the site on various occasions and asked the site engineers to complete the work as early as possible.

Md Shafiqul Islam, the project engineer, said the work will be completed soon.