17 hours ago
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RADHICA DE SILVA
Senior Multimedia Reporter
For more than two years, residents of St John’s Branch Trace, Avocat endured the daily hardship of carrying groceries across a floodgate to reach their homes, hauling garbage along the same route and relying on a boat to cross the river when someone fell ill.
For the 40 residents, particularly the elderly, the collapse of the bridge on July 10, 2024, turned ordinary daily activities into difficult, distressing journeys.
On Friday, after two years and three months, they finally regained vehicular access to their homes with the opening of a new Bailey bridge, prompting some residents to hold back tears as they recalled the hardships they had endured.
Resident Leena Seepersad said the experience had been extremely difficult, as residents had to park their vehicles away from their homes and carry their groceries across the floodgate.
“For two years we suffered. We had to go over the floodgate carrying our groceries in bags to get to our homes. We had to park the cars out of the roadway. It was very difficult,” she said.
Another resident, Seukaran Premchand, said the situation became particularly challenging when someone fell ill and needed medical attention.
He said residents had to use a boat to cross the river, while elderly people also struggled to access their medication.
“They were hard times, and we really cannot say how happy we are to finally get our bridge,” Premchand said.
Fyzabad MP Davendranath Tancoo said residents were exceptionally happy to finally have access to their homes without the difficulties they had experienced since the bridge collapsed.
He said when the bridge collapsed the then Local Government minister Faris Al-Rawi and Works minister Rohan Sinanan did not see the need for the bridge as the community was not large.
He said the fight to restore access began under his predecessor, Dr Lackram Bodoe, who led efforts to have the bridge replaced.
“People were disenfranchised, and Dr Bodoe fought hard for his people who were suffering. I was privileged to be able to continue the charge,” he said.
Tancoo said the new bridge would not only restore access to residents but also support agricultural activity in the area, which produces crops that supply St John’s and other parts of Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile, Works and Infrastructure Minister Jearlene John said she understood the challenges of living in remote communities, having come from Charlotte, and said the bridge represented more than the restoration of a piece of infrastructure.
“This bridge is not just a bridge, it’s a bridge of hope, it’s a lifeline,” she said.
“When we look at these things, we are not, me, for instance, sitting in the ministry, I’m not seeing a piece of infrastructure to be restored. I’m seeing your life being disrupted.”
John said that after she assumed responsibility for the Ministry of Works, Tancoo continued to raise the residents’ plight with her.
She commended NIDCO for completing the procurement process and delivering the bridge ahead of the time allocated for construction.
The new bridge spans just over 30 metres and has an anti-skid deck. John said the project also included the construction of approximately 70 metres of open box drain and another 70 metres of turbine sleeper drain.
She urged residents to observe the bridge’s load and speed limits, keep the waterway free of garbage and report any damage or problems.
Meanwhile, Dr Bodoe recalled the morning of July 10, 2024, saying approximately 40 people and seven vehicles were stranded.
He said the collapse had been alarming, and a sick resident who could not access medical services had to cross by boat.
He commended the residents for their patience and resilience, saying the new bridge would bring much-needed relief to the community.
Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayrhoo said the improved access could support plans for ecotourism and a heritage site in the area, adding that the community’s natural attractions could be developed further.
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