PNP caretakers call for urgent repair of Pedro River Bridge

The People's National Party's representatives in Southeast St Ann and North Clarendon are calling for the authorities to take immediate action to repair the collapsed bridge in Pedro River, which links the two parishes.

The bridge, which collapsed in August following a truck accident, has left the area impassable, causing significant disruption for local residents.

The collapse has forced travellers to take a much longer detour via Fort George, McNie, and Tate, resulting in increased transportation costs and extended travel times.

"The inability to use the direct route severely impacts families who need timely access to essential services. Residents now spend nearly 50 per cent more on transportation, as they must take multiple taxis. They travel to the St Ann end, walk across the broken bridge, and then take another taxi from the Clarendon side," said PNP caretaker for Southeast St Ann, Dr Kenneth Russell.

Russell and Wavell Hinds, the caretaker for North Clarendon, said the disruption has also hampered access to critical services, particularly healthcare.

They said many residents of Clarendon depend on St Ann's Bay Hospital for medical care, and the longer journey has made accessing these services increasingly difficult.

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

The PNP representatives are urging the government to prioritise the bridge repairs and implement at least temporary solutions to the deteriorating conditions of the alternative routes.

Follow The Gleaner on X and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.