The metal border gate of the bridge spanning the Massacre River, which connects the Dominican Republic and Haiti, collapsed on the Dominican side due to rust.

The deterioration of the international bridge over the Massacre River, the main land route linking the Dominican Republic and Haiti via the province of Dajabón, is causing concern among motorists, merchants, and citizens who use it daily and are witnessing the spread of rust across much of its metal structure.

Beams, railings, and other components show advanced corrosion, a sign, for regular users, of the wear and tear accumulated over the years and the lack of maintenance to preserve this structure, which is essential for traffic and border trade.

Concern has increased following the collapse of the gate on the Dominican side. Although no injuries were reported, this incident was perceived by users as a sign of the progressive weakening of the infrastructure.

“Every day, the bridge seems to deteriorate further. We fear a tragedy will occur before action is taken," said one motorist interviewed, confirming that hundreds of vehicles use the bridge daily.

Business owners also expressed their concern, considering the bridge a vital link in trade between the two countries and believing that any structural failure would have consequences for the local economy and for the thousands of people who depend on this border crossing.

Faced with this situation, Dominican citizens have called on the Ministry of Public Works (MOPC) to conduct a technical assessment to determine the actual condition of the structure and to enable the necessary rehabilitation work to be carried out before its deterioration worsens and leads to a tragedy.

The international bridge over the Massacre River is one of the country’s main border crossings. Freight vehicles, merchants, pedestrians, and goods use this infrastructure daily, playing a strategic role in economic activity, binational trade, and mobility between the Dominican Republic and Haiti.

TB/ iciHaiti