PNP caretakers calls for urgent repair of Pedro River Bridge

By Nakinskie Robinson   

 

Opposition People's National Party caretakers in Clarendon and St. Ann are urging the government to prioritise the repair of the bridge in Pedro River.

 

They say the continued inaccessibility of the bridge is contributing to an increased financial burden for residents.

 

PNP caretaker for St. Ann South Eastern, Dr. Kenneth Russell is calling for immediate action to repair the bridge which links Clarendon and St. Ann.

 

The bridge was downed during a truck crash in August and has been impassable since.

 

Dr. Russell said residents have been forced to detour, resulting in increased transportation costs and extended travel times. 

 

"The inability to go directly from Pedro to Kellets is severely affecting families who need timely access to essential services. Residents now spend nearly 50 per cent more on transportation as they have to take multiple taxis. They travel to the St. Ann end, walk across the broken bridge, and then take another taxi from the Clarendon side. This situation, with the rains and no place to wait, is untenable. It needs urgent action," he demanded. 

 

Meanwhile, Wavell Hinds, caretaker for Clarendon Northern, has urged the National Works Agency and Member of Parliament Dwight Sibblies, to address the issue with urgency.

 

He said the government must implement temporary solutions to improve the poor condition of the alternate route. 

 

"We are appealing for temporary patching of the alternate route to ensure smoother and faster travel for residents. The situation is untenable and prompt action is required to alleviate further hardship for those affected," he stressed.