The collapse of the Villa Carmen bridge in the El Cacao community, Capira district, has raised concerns among residents and local authorities, as the area was left with only one vehicular access. West Panama deputy Eduardo Vásquez reported that he was on a tour of the area when he received the report of the structure's collapse, which was already in a state of disrepair and had usage restrictions. “While on a tour in the El Cacao district, we received information about the collapse of the Villa Carmen bridge. Knowing his capacity for execution, we trust there will be a positive response for Capira,” Vásquez expressed. After the bridge collapse in Capira, only one access road remains open for entering and leaving the area, located in front of the Maricot station, after the Super Extra supermarket. However, he pointed out that this road also requires improvements, as the increase in vehicular traffic is generating dust that could affect nearby residents. “It is a road that is also planned for improvements, because now with the influx of vehicles in that area, where there is a lot of dust, it could affect the communities,” he added. The deputy reiterated that he expects a rapid intervention from the Ministry of Public Works to restore connectivity in this rural area of West Panama, where the collapse of the Villa Carmen bridge has caused mobility difficulties for its inhabitants. This bridge had already undergone some work, and there was an old communication indicating it could only be used for light loads,” explained the deputy. The structure is part of the road access to the Perequete sector, a route used by residents and producers in the area. MOP analyzes actions after collapse Upon learning the situation, the deputy stated that he communicated with the Minister of the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), José Luis Andrade, who —according to him— is preparing an official statement on the steps to be taken. “We communicated with Minister Andrade from the MOP, who told us that in the next minutes, a statement would be issued explaining the actions to follow.
