Doreen Campbell, member of parliament candidate for Portland Western, is calling on Transport Minister Daryl Vaz and the Government to take immediate and decisive action to address the dire situation surrounding the Craig Mill bridge.

Campbell says this urgent appeal follows growing frustration and protests by residents of Craig Mill, Belvedere, and White Hall, who have been severely impacted by the prolonged delay in replacing the condemned bridge.

“The residents of Craig Mill, Belvedere, and White Hall have endured unacceptable hardships due to the inaction and delays in replacing the Craig Mill bridge. While MP Daryl Vaz has acknowledged the issue and stated that procurement for a new bridge has been completed, the lack of tangible progress and the repeated disruptions caused by heavy rains demand urgent attention.

The bypass solution provided is clearly insufficient and unsustainable, as evidenced by the recent flooding and subsequent isolation of entire communities,” Campbell said in a statement on Monday, July 8.

She noted that the century-old bridge was closed over two years ago by the National Works Agency (NWA) due to safety concerns, forcing residents to traverse a riverbed to enter or leave their communities.

Recent heavy rains and the passage of Hurricane Beryl have rendered the riverbed impassable, leaving many residents stranded and causing significant disruption to daily life and commerce in the region.

“I am urging MP Vaz and the relevant government authorities to expedite the construction of the new bridge and implement immediate, effective measures to ensure safe and reliable access for the residents. This situation cannot be allowed to persist, as it poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of the people of these communities. We must act now to prevent a potential catastrophe and restore normalcy to the lives of those affected,” she continued.

Campbell also emphasised the need for immediate action, “It is our responsibility as leaders to prioritise the needs and safety of our constituents. I stand with the residents in their call for immediate action and will continue to advocate on their behalf until this critical issue is resolved.”

She says it is imperative that the government and Vaz address this issue with the urgency it demands. Immediate action is not just a request, it is a necessity.