Residents tired of broken promises close Boquete highway

Tired of the broken promises made by the Ministry of Public Works, residents of Caldera took to the streets at 5 am on Monday, July 26, and closed the main highway that leads from Boquete to David.

Visibly upset reports TVN the residents affirmed that more than a year has gone by without the government authorities giving them an answer regarding the improvements to the asphalt layer of the 28-kilometer highway that goes from the entrance of Caldera to their communities, which is in very bad condition.

The protesters say they feel deceived as during all this time they have held several meetings with the Ministry of Public Works requesting that the construction work begin, however, the promises have remained on the table and until now nothing has been done.

The problem is that, over time, this road has deteriorated to the point where it has become a danger not only for drivers but also for its residents who must travel daily both to their jobs or to receive medical attention, or to make purchases. In addition, it is the main route used by producers in this sector of Caldera to get their crops to markets.

They said that, for more than 35 years, the road has been in the same condition and although improvements have been made these have only consisted of patching, a short-term palliative, and with the passage of vehicles, the road deteriorates again, so they no longer want more patches, but a long-term solution.

They argued that the closure of the road will be maintained until the authorities appear and give them a concrete response.

TVN reports that the governor of the province in a telephone call informed the residents that in the next few hours, they will be given a formal document that stipulates the roadmap for the start of the project.