The Government of Panama signed a historic contract under the modality of Public-Private Partnership (APP) with the company Intervial Chile, S.A. The investment will be 262 million in two years, it will be allocated to the inaugural project of the Maintenance Program by Performance Standards, which includes the rehabilitation, improvement and maintenance of the East Pan-American Highway, which covers 246 kilometers.

The project, structured by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), marks a milestone in public-private collaboration in Panama and promises to directly benefit more than 145,000 people. With a contractual term of 18 years and 8 months, the generation of 1,300 jobs is expected during the construction phase, which will boost the regional economy.

The road will be divided into three sections: Las Garzas – Cañita (46 km), Cañita – Agua Fría (98.2 km) and Agua Fría – Yaviza (102 km). In addition to improving connectivity, this initiative is expected to promote the agricultural, commercial and tourist development of the area, as well as the revaluation of the surrounding areas.

A prominent aspect of the project is the inclusion of a 940-meter branch that will facilitate access to the Yaviza Health Center, a measure that will benefit approximately 15,000 residents of communities such as El Real de Santa María, Pinogana and Yaviza. The work also includes the construction of two concrete vehicular bridges, each with a length of 185 meters, over the Chucunaque and Tuira rivers, which will guarantee a safe and durable infrastructure.

With a physical progress of 35%, this initiative not only represents an improvement in the road infrastructure, but also an innovative model of collaboration between the public and private sectors that promises to positively transform the quality of life of thousands of Panamanians and strengthen the country’s development.