MOP to keep Gariche River bridge closed; project for new structure in Bugaba advances

The bridge over the Gariche River, a vital connection between the communities of San Andrés and Vijagual de Santa Marta in Bugaba, Panama, will remain closed indefinitely. The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) cited structural problems detected in the existing infrastructure as the reason for the closure, citing safety concerns.

Marco Di Bolio, the regional director of MOP in Chiriquí, explained that a cable within the bridge's structure appears to have failed. "That bridge has been built for a long time, and apparently, one of the cables has given way. What we are going to do is leave it as it is, because we are going to start the construction of a new bridge soon, something that had already been announced," Di Bolio stated. He stressed the need to prevent a tragedy.

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That bridge has been built for a long time, and apparently, one of the cables has given way. What we are going to do is leave it as it is, because we are going to start the construction of a new bridge soon, something that had already been announced.

The project for a new, two-lane bridge over the Gariche River is slated for construction with an estimated investment of $2.3 million. However, the MOP is awaiting a community commitment of approximately $31,000 towards the project's execution. This new structure is crucial for residents and producers in the area, as it will significantly reduce travel times.

In the interim, the MOP has outlined alternative routes for residents, including the road connecting San Andrés to the Inter-American Highway, or the route via Río Sereno towards Volcán to reach Bugaba and other parts of Chiriquí province. The closure necessitates longer travel for many as they await the commencement of work on the new bridge, a project long demanded by the community due to the current bridge's deterioration.

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We have to avoid a tragedy.