South Trelawny residents celebrate new footbridge over Troy River

From Wilson Run to Cowich Park to Troy, residents of South Trelawny have rolled out the welcome mat in appreciation of the newly constructed footbridge over the Troy River.

The original bridge, which collapsed in August 2021, left the community without a vital link for nearly three years.

Stephen Shaw, Communications Manager at the National Works Agency, explained that the footbridge is part of a larger $240 million project aimed at constructing a new bridge, with completion expected by June 2025.

The footbridge has been a source of joy for residents, farmers, students, and teachers alike.

“When the bridge collapsed, I lost 30 of my students to Balacava Primary. Now that the footbridge is here, I intend to reach out to the parents to encourage them to send their children back to Troy Primary. They know the positive impact Troy Primary had on their children,” said Kareen Frater, principal of Troy Primary School.

Johnathan Campbell, bursar at Troy High School, expressed his happiness about the new development.

“I live less than two miles from school. Without a bridge, it took me two hours to get to school. Now, I can drive to the bridge, walk to school, or ask a friend to pick me up. This new bridge saves me time and money,” Campbell said.

Baptist Deacon George Bromfield also welcomed the new footbridge.

“We have members across from the bridge. Before this new bridge, it would take me two hours to reach Cowich Park to conduct a funeral. Now, I can walk from Troy to Cowich Park, a journey I've been walking since I was a child,” Bromfield shared.

Members of both political parties have praised the construction of the footbridge.

"This shows that the Government listens to the people. It will benefit all sectors of the community," said Devon McDaniel of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party.

“This should have been done a long time ago. It is highly appreciated and will benefit the farmers and students,” added Paul Parmore, caretaker for South Trelawny from the People's National Party.

- Leon Jackson

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