FYZABAD MP Dr Lackram Bodoe has written again to Rural Development and Local Government Minister Faris Al-Rawi, SC, for assistance with a bridge across the South Oropouche River at St John Branch Trace which collapsed on July 10.

Bodoe previously wrote to Al-Rawi about it on July 15.

In a letter dated July 22, Bodoe asked for Al-Rawi's urgent intervention to help residents affected by the bridge's collapse.

He updated Al-Rawi on the current situation.

Bodoe said seven households have been stranded, over 35 residents are marooned, 11 vehicles have been stranded across the river, the collapsed bridge remains in the river, hindering outflow, access to emergency services is significantly curtailed and the transport of produce from agricultural areas across the river has been forcibly suspended.

"Currently, the only means of access for these residents is a small boat (donated by a resident) which is used to carry them across the river."

Bodoe warned this in itself is a risky and fearful journey for some residents, especially those with medical issues.

He identified safe pedestrian access across the river and the retrieval of 11 vehicles stranded on one side as the urgent needs of the residents.

Bodoe suggested removing the collapsed bridge from the river andbuilding a new bridge for vehicular and pedestrian access as two short-term solutions.

He said, "I remain ready to work with the Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government and any other government agencies with regard to any and all efforts to bring much needed relief to the distressed residents of this community."

Copies of the letter were sent to Works and Transport Minister Rohan Sinanan and Siparia Mayor Doodnath Mayhroo.

Earlier this month, Al-Rawi said the land where the bridge was located and where the residents live was not vested under the Siparia Borough Coroporation.

He added this was reflected in an e-mail from the corporation's CEO, Ann Hosein.

Al-Rawi said the corporation never undertook any work on the bridge or asked for funding to do so under the Public Sector Investment Programme.

He added that he has asked for estimates and structures to find a solution.

On July 11, Sinanan said the bridge did not fall under his ministry.

"I did speak to (Bodoe) and I also spoke to (Al-Rawi)...Unfortunately, the bridge is on private land and the system that we use here in Trinidad (mandates that) if something is in a regional corporation and they can't handle it, then they pass it up to their line ministry, and their line ministry deals with it.

|"If there is any technical assistance required from the Ministry of Works, then we will give them whatever assistance."

He added that he was certain the matter would be addressed, as Al-Rawi had given him that assurance.

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