Works Minister Mourns Easington Bridge Fatality, Urges Public to Heed Closure Notices

Minister with responsibility for Works, the Hon. Robert Nesta Morgan, MP, is expressing sorrow over the death of a person who is said to have tried to cross a bridge in Easington, St. Thomas, that the National Works Agency (NWA) had taken out of service for repairs.

In a statement issued from Kingston, the Minister offered condolences to relatives of the deceased and to residents across Easington and the wider parish of St. Thomas.

"This is a heartbreaking development. My deepest condolences go to the family of the deceased and to the entire Easington community as they grieve this painful loss. At moments like these, our thoughts must first be with those who are mourning," said Minister Morgan.

Mr. Morgan pointed out that the NWA had shut the crossing as a precaution and that the decision had been shared with the surrounding community on more than one occasion.

"The National Works Agency closed the bridge for repairs in the interest of public safety, and that closure was communicated more than once. We understand the inconvenience that closures can cause, especially in rural communities, but these decisions are taken only where there is a real concern about risk to life and safety," he added.

The Minister also indicated that the Easington bridge is slated for attention under the Accelerated Bridge Programme, an initiative greenlit by Cabinet on Monday of last week as part of a wider drive to shore up critical infrastructure across Jamaica. According to him, the programme will cover 47 bridges nationally.

He took the moment to ask members of the public to respect all safety warnings and barricades positioned around damaged or unsound structures.

"I want to appeal to all Jamaicans, with respect and urgency, to please avoid crossing bridges that have been closed for repairs. These restrictions are not put in place to create hardship, but to protect lives. We ask every citizen to treat these warnings seriously, as no destination is more important than getting there safely."

The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, working alongside the NWA, says it will keep watch over at-risk structures and press ahead with the works needed to improve resilience and safeguard the travelling public.