PNP caretaker calls for urgent repair of Woodsville Bridge

People's National Party (PNP) caretaker for Eastern Hanover Andrea Purkiss is calling for urgent intervention from the central government to address the Woodsville Bridge in the parish, which collapsed on Good Friday 2023.

She emphasised that the financial scope of the project is beyond the capacity of the Hanover Municipal Corporation and requires the central government's direct involvement.

Purkiss noted that the National Works Agency (NWA) has already completed preliminary assessments and included the project on a list for potential funding. However, she wants the matter expedited.

“I have written to the Honourable. Robert Nesta Morgan, MP, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, highlighting the dire need for immediate reconstruction of the bridge” said Purkiss.

Purkiss pointed out that the Woodsville Bridge is a vital connection point for several farming communities and districts in Hanover and Westmoreland.

"It is also part of the main access route to Mayfield Falls, one of Jamaica's premier tourist attractions. The collapse of this bridge has disrupted daily life, commerce, and tourism in the region," said Purkiss.

Despite resourceful community efforts to construct a temporary wooden crossing over the Cabarita River, Purkiss described the current situation as "neither safe nor sustainable".

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