The Board of Directors of the Panama Canal announced that it approved the funds for the construction of a new lake in the Indio River basin, as part of the Water Projects Program.

This initiative seeks to guarantee the water supply for more than 50% of the Panamanian population, nearby communities and the operation of the Canal, in addition to supporting productive activities.

The project will contribute to improving water storage capacity, mitigating the impact of droughts such as the one in 2023-2024, and will strengthen the sustainability and competitiveness of the Channel.

As announced, the resolution includes resources for compensation, resettlement and support for affected families, following international standards in social and environmental matters. To this end, a census has been carried out since August 2024, with a closing date of April 30, 2025, in order to identify residents and guarantee an orderly process.

Teams from the Panama Canal have initiated information days in the communities, which include home visits and meetings, in addition to permanent attention in six community relations offices. It is estimated that construction will take six years and will represent one of the most important public investments of the decade, generating employment and contributing to the economic development of the country.