At an optimistic level, the reservoir would be in 2031

Extension studies The Panama Canal was built until 2025.

At that time, mechanisms were used to optimize the use of water resources such as re-use basins.

“When the borders of the canal basin This was done because the project itself found mechanisms that did not require requests for an additional pool,” recalled Martín Torrijos, who was president of the Republic at the time.

However, 18 years later the reality is different.

Now, reusable tubs no longer meet the need for water work of the Channel.

“They are being used, but we haven’t been able to use them as planned,” said John Langman, executive manager of the Panama Canal Authority’s (ACP) project management division.

What considerations arose that disturbed the projections?’

900

million dollars was the estimated cost for the Indio River Reservoir.

180

millions of dollars would have to be added today with inflation.

Langman explained that the main ones are the increase in water consumption for both human consumption and the operation of the Canal.

Except, climate variability, which hits more often than before.

“We should have taken initiatives maybe earlier, but they didn’t easy initiativesbut we have to stop in the present,” said the ACP CEO.

Now, the main betin the ACP, and the one that has been studied the most is the Río Indio reservoir.

This would have an area of 4300 hectares, less than Lake Alajuelabut with a significant amount of water, which, supplemented by the reservoir, would satisfy the greatest number of needs that the region has. Channel to the future.

Among the advantages, John Langman points out that a transfer tunnel of 8.7 would be built. kilometers through which water can move by gravity, which means that it will not require electricity.

“If everything political and social permits we could publish a document in 2025, and at the end of 2030, they could finish the works and fill the reservoir,” he estimated.

Compared to other pools like from Lake Bayanothe executive explained that although it is already a reservoir and no construction costs or social work are required, the distance is the main disadvantage.

It is 120 kilometers from the city canal poolso the costs of transporting water from that reservoir would be very significant, although Langman does not diminish its usefulness for human consumption, especially for the inhabitants of the eastern part of the capital and province of Panama.

Another important element is that social studies on the Indian River They have already started the project, which will be implemented between 2017 and 2020.

Because the authorities did not pay attention?, is a question that remains in the environment.

Until recently they lived in the Indian River four years, about 2200 people which consisted of about 500 families.

Jorge Luis Quijano, former manager of the Canal, He revealed that he had been talking to the community for two years and did not recall any rejection of the project.

“They didn’t object, but they wanted to know what it was about, how they would be compensated, their relocation. All this was discussed with them, but the Environmental Impact Study had to be completed,” said Quijano. , explaining why it was not achieved stage of public discussion.

He added that Kanal has experience in relocating four familias to expand.