Rice and corn producers in the Marban province of Beni have blocked the San Pablo Bridge since midnight, demanding the construction of a gas station in the area. The Traffic, Transportation, and Road Safety Department for the Bus Terminal has issued an advisory urging bus companies to reroute or delay trips.
The San Pablo Bridge is located 137 km southeast of Trinidad.
Protesters Cite Broken Promises: In an interview with Radio Fides, the protesters declared the blockade indefinite until their demands are met. This comes after similar action in September 2023 and subsequent agreements with government officials that were allegedly ignored.
Unanswered Pleas: The farmers say they requested a general meeting with government officials on May 11th, but no one attended. They then gave a 48-hour deadline for communication, which was also ignored.
Travel Disruptions: Social media images show extensive lines of buses stranded on both sides of the blocked bridge. Important Note: The ABC’s road accessibility map does not currently reflect the San Pablo bridge blockade. Travelers are advised to check with bus companies or local authorities for updates before embarking on trips.