The President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, delivered the order to proceed to start the construction work of the Paso Canoas – Río Sereno – Piedra Candela road, a work that will benefit more than 17,000 inhabitants of the districts of Baru and Renaissance, with an investment of B/.66,461,991.94.
The governor, together with the Minister of Public Works, Rafael Sabonge, delivered the order to begin the work on this project, which consists of a length of 73.81 kilometers and must be completed in 730 calendar days.
The works include the construction of seven two-lane bridges of 8.70 meters wide and 20 meters in length over Quebrada Brazo Seco, Quebrada Azul, Vueltas 2, Quebrada Vueltas 3, Quebrada del Norte, Río Sereno and Río Candela. It will also be extended by road, laying drainage and rehabilitation of an existing vehicular bridge.
It is estimated that this public work will generate 300 to 500 direct and 1,482 indirect jobs, which contributes to the economic recovery. The new road will improve the quality of life of residents and producers in the area, who will be able to transport their merchandise more easily.
The Chief Executive stressed that, for the Government team, this project represents the satisfaction of serving the country because “it is a key piece for the production of the area, to facilitate the transport of products, in less time and with less decrease, which translates into greater profitability.”
The contract was awarded to the company Ininco, S.A. and includes the design, construction and financing of the road. The project begins at the height of the water tanks of the National Aqueduct and Sewer Institute (IDAAN) in Paso Canoas and ends at the limit of the road to Piedra Candela with Santa Clara.
“This road connects the districts of Baru and Renaissance, to improve the quality of life of these communities. The connectivity between communities that is achieved with road networks is essential for access to the population, to greater mobility of people, goods, products and services,” Cortizo Cohen added.
For his part, Minister Sabonge said that the work “will bring improvements to the region, a very productive area in the country where more than 50% of the national coffee is harvested. The road will also have a tourist impact by allowing better access to visitors.”
Underground drains will also be made, design and construction of 11 rain basins, construction and reconstruction of sidewalks, paved ditches, rural bus stop (with bay for buses), New Jersey type concrete barriers, signs and access to homes and shops.
They accompanied President Cortizo Cohen, in addition to Minister Sabonge, the governor of Chiriquí, Juan Carlos Muñoz; deputies, mayors and representatives of the corregimiento.