OPINION: Bridge of the Americas a neglected asset

The Bridge of the Americas opened on October 12, 1962, initially cost $ 20 million. From 1962 until 2000, the maintenance of this majestic work was done by a permanent crew of Panamanian workers, who reviewed every detail of the structure. The cables were maintained, the slabs were repaired, the beams affected by the salt of the coastal wind were constantly painted and, thus, each of these heroic workers knew the structure and gave it timely care.

Several decades ago the government of Panama stopped maintaining public infrastructure with its own personnel and, instead, maintenance contracts proliferated. In the last 15 years, the country has invested around $100 million in the maintenance of the bridge, with the results in sight. There are dangerous gaps in the rolling. The 60 thousand vehicles that use this work on average every day must get around the road and the associated risks. While the new bridge is built, this condition and what comes along the road will have to be tolerated. The problem is not the bridge, but a State that is unable to take care of its assets. – LA PRENSA, Oct. 11