DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the authorities concerned to use concrete instead of bricks for renovating roads across the country.

The premier came up with the observation at the cabinet meeting in the secretariat on Monday.

The PM emphasized the usages of bitumen in roads which can play a vital role in environmental and ecological balance and in minimizing the cost as well.

She highlighted the demerits of using bricks in making roads.

The bricks are made of soil and excessive excavation of soil can be a threat for the environment.

Moreover, the smoke of the brickfield is polluting the environment, she added.

At least, a sample road project can be applied in this regard and may be observed the outcome, the premier further said.

Master Plan

The Prime Minister also emphasized the long term development of roads and communications.

She also said that unplanned by-pass roads should not be built as these roads are the barrier on the existing flows of rivers.

She, moreover, asked the finance ministry to pay all the dues to the road contractors.

In several places the development of roads are being monitored by the Roads and Highways department, she added.

BDST: 1855 HRS, MAR 10, 2014