PORTLAND, Jamaica – Cabinet Minister and Portland Western Member of Parliament Daryl Vaz, says he is hopeful that the replacement of the Craigmill bridge in his constituency will be addressed next year.

“I am hopeful that with my persistent advocacy as MP the bridge will be replaced in 2025,” Vaz told OBSERVER ONLINE on Sunday, a day after a truck reportedly laden with stones fell through the now partially collapsed bridge.

The bridge was previously closed by the National Works Agency (NWA) as it had been deemed unsafe. However, some motorists ignored the detour signs to a ford and continued to traverse the bridge whenever the river is in spate.

“The bridge was closed by the NWA and efforts were intensified to replace the bridge as the NWA technical team deemed it unsuitable for repair. The NWA had since sent invitation to tender for the replacement of the bridge which was halted because of unavailability of resources. Since then the process has restarted, consultation done earlier this year and the Public Investment Appraisal Branch going through final process for the award of contract of over $100 million,” Vaz said.

“The fording is the alternative to the closed bridge,” he added.

One resident said people were taking great risks crossing the bridge.

“Me glad that nuh life nuh lost or anybody got any serious hurt, but at the same time me still glad that the bridge tear down, because it was like a trap. People disregard the sign and a drive across it. There was marl there to stop people from driving over the bridge, but it was removed and people started taking it for granted. It was the only alternative when the fording is blocked,” said the resident.

The citizen added that the replacement of the bridge should be prioritised.

“When the water comes hard it brings down a lot of trees and limbs. The fording would work, but only if the water doesn’t come that hard. Anywhere the money to come from it has to come now. This is an emergency. This is very essential and important. Right now if the rain comes down hard we can’t pass at all. There is no bridge there for you to take any chance,” he continued.

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