Latest update November 26th, 2024 1:00 AM
Schoolgirls injured as Sophia bridge collapses
Two schoolgirls were injured when a bridge connecting Guyhoc Park to ‘A’ Field, Sophia collapsed yesterday morning, once again sparking concerns over dilapidated public infrastructure.
Kaieteur News understands that one of the girls suffered a fractured foot, while the other received cuts and bruises.
The wooden bridge which was built over 10 years ago facilitates pedestrian and motorcycle use from ‘A’ Field, Sophia to Guyhoc Park where residents have easier access to public transportation.
Rescuers assist one of the schoolgirls out of the trench.
According to reports, the two girls, who were on their way to school, were almost in the middle of the bridge when one of the beams collapsed, sending them into the Lamaha Canal or the Blacka, which is more than five feet deep.
Thankfully some male residents who were standing near the bridge saw their plight and quickly went to their assistance.
“One ah dem get blackout and we had to hoist she out. If we didn’t hold she, she would’ a float away,” a resident who did not give his name told Kaieteur News.
According to residents, the bridge was a disaster waiting to happen and they all agreed that yesterday’s incident could have been worse.
They claimed that for several years, they have been “propping up” the bridge without any assistance from the government agency that is responsible for such matters.
They claimed that the last time a section of the facility collapsed, there were some children on it but as fate would have it they had made it to safety.
“Since we living here, is we build this bridge and we does be propping it up every time it damage,” one resident said.
Their anger over the lack of concern for them is rooted in the fact that just a few yards away, Government constructed a six million dollar bridge to facilitate residents of the neighbouring community of Plum Park, Sophia.
“They should do all de bridges and not wait for something tragic to happen before they do something,” a resident stated.
Two weeks ago residents of North East La Penitence condemned a bridge on Cemetery Road after a 16-year-old perished when trapped for several minutes in a car that careened off the structure and landed in the trench beneath.
Their actions forced the Ministry of Public Works to immediately commence reconstruction works to the bridge.
Residents of ‘A’ Field Sophia are hoping that they will not have to take similar action in order to have their need for a proper bridge fulfilled.
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