Allies in Community Development – Re-inauguration of the Bridge over the Cascajal River

Coclé, December 12, 2024 – Seven years ago, the bridge over the Cascajal River in La Pintada was built thanks to the joint effort of the community, the authorities and the company. This bridge benefits more than 11 families residing in the Sebastián Martínez playground, including a young woman with a disability, who needed adequate access to travel with her wheelchair. It also acts as an alternative route for other families who use it when the river level in the San Judas Tadeo sector rises.

Last October’s heavy rains caused serious damage in the municipality of La Pintada and Coclesito, in the district of Omar Torrijos. A team of engineers from the company volunteered to evaluate the affected homes and access roads. One of the damages reported was the loss of the bridge due to the flooding of the Cascajal river. According to Jaime Villanueva, from Cobre Panama’s Construction Department, “we removed the bridge because its condition was critical and it had to be rebuilt”.

Thanks to the teamwork of the company’s track, crane and fabrication shop departments, with the participation of community members and graduates of Cobre Panama’s Industrial Professions Training Center, slabs and carriages were installed, using stronger turnbuckles and new railings.

José Mendoza, a member of the Coclesito community, shared: “It has been a difficult job, but here we are, proud to have done our bit.

As part of the reopening, the access area was leveled and cleaned to facilitate the transit of users.

Carlos Santana, a welder and alumnus of the Training Center, said: “It is gratifying to support the community, and we hope that this bridge will be of great benefit to everyone.

Villanueva also reaffirmed, “We are pleased to see these young people working at the mine. They are six alumni with great potential”.

The needs of our communities are our priority and we reiterate our commitment to support them, especially in times of crisis.