PORTLAND, Jamaica – The partially collapsed Craig Mill Bridge in Buff Bay, Portland, is to be declared a disaster, requiring immediate attention as the government moves to fast-track the implementation of temporary and permanent solutions for affected residents.

The declaration will trigger an emergency response to the situation.

“We consider this to be a real emergency, so under the Disaster Risk Management Act, we are going to declare this a disaster for immediate attention,” said Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, during a visit to the site on Wednesday.

READ: Plans for temporary bridge in the works

McKenzie said he will be writing to Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to advise him to officially make the declaration, noting that the measure should take effect on Thursday .

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Robert Morgan, who was also on the tour, acknowledged the challenges faced by residents due to the failure of the bridge and the inundation of the temporary fording.

“I… support the [move] by Minister [McKenzie] to declare this area a disaster area. For my part, I will be engaging with the head of the National Works Agency (NWA), Mr [E G] Hunter, so that we also can look at whatever emergency facilities exist through our legislation to assist in the creation of a temporary structure as well as facilitating… a permanent bridge for the people of this area,” Morgan said.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Portland Western, Darly Vaz, welcomed the intervention.

“What I want to see right now is what can we do to get a temporary bridge for pedestrians,” he said.

He pointed out that Craig Mill Bridge is the only point of exit and entry for three communities, namely Craig Mill, White Hall and Belvedere.

“The fact of the matter is there is no workable solution in terms of an alternate route,” Vaz noted.

“As MP, I feel very strongly that the decision that has been taken is a welcome decision because based on what has been transpiring for years, there is risk to life and property,” he added.

“We will get it done,” Vaz said, as he thanked the residents of Buff Bay and surrounding areas for their patience in the matter.

Representatives from the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the NWA were also on the tour.

– JIS