Potholes and Cracks Plague Panamanian Streets Amid Years of Neglect

Drivers across Panama Oeste, Panama Norte, and Coclé are routinely forced to navigate treacherous road conditions, characterized by deep potholes and extensive cracks. The daily routine involves constant vigilance, slowing down to prevent vehicle damage, or swerving into oncoming lanes to avoid craters.

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Between cracks, collapsed sections, and enormous potholes, drivers are forced to make split-second decisions: brake sharply to avoid damaging their vehicles or use the opposite lane, with the risk of encountering another car head-on.

In areas like El Espino de La Chorrera, along Madden Road in Chilibre, and in the Sofre and Bajo de Sofre communities, the complaints are consistent: roads are in severe disrepair, temporary fixes are failing, and definitive solutions remain elusive. Residents in El Espino de La Chorrera claim the main road has been deteriorating for over a decade, with drivers facing a split-second decision between braking sharply or risking a head-on collision by using the opposite lane.

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They have lost tires and car parts due to the poor condition of the road.

The poor state of these roads has tangible consequences, with affected individuals reporting lost tires and damaged vehicle parts. The situation is particularly critical for agricultural producers of pineapples, other produce, and poultry from communities like El Espino, Santa Rita, Hurtado, Cerro Cama, and Mendoza, as well as three districts in Capira. The Madden Road in Chilibre faces similar issues, with numerous potholes forcing drivers to maneuver constantly. Observations revealed water pooling on the road, suggesting a damaged pipe may be weakening the pavement structure.

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All this street was cement until Madden; a company came to improve the street, they destroyed it, put asphalt on it, and left.

In Sofre and Bajo Sofre, north of Penonomé, the road's condition impacts residents, agricultural producers, and tourists. This route is crucial for northern Penonomé communities and serves as a direct access to El Valle de Antón, attracting both domestic and international visitors. Despite palliative works by local authorities, residents state that repairs are short-lived, and damage quickly reappears. The poor infrastructure also affects students traveling to and from school.

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These potholes can cause accidents.