>>509846618
Because the US ran the canal effectively as a non profit. Every bit of money made and then some was funnelled back into the canal zone.
Zonians in Colon literally lived in a socialist paradise. Free bowling alleys and cinemas, free housing, subsidised golf courses and community clubs. That lifestyle no longer exists because it literally required the financial subsidy of a superpower.

>>509846834
It looks that way because it no longer serves a purpose lmao.
Most Canal pilots live in Panama; not Colon. Linesmen and tugs still operate from Colon but increasingly most of them live outside the city.
Pic related was built because in the 85 years of US administration, the gringos never once bothered to expand the locks.
We get it, your dad was stationed in Panama back in the day and misses being a welfare queen. Sorry, no refunds.