Cinta Costera Project Set to Start, Despite Opposition
Date: 07/24/2007Depending on who you ask, traffic in Panama City may soon be easier to navigate (if you are behind the wheel) or more toxic than ever (if you are a pedestrian).
We reported in April on the controversial Cinta Costera freeway project, which consists of a freeway built on landfill in the Bay of Panama. Opposition parties say the project seeks only to add more lanes for increasing traffic, but disregards the environmental impact of the landfill. They further say that the design is not pedestrian-friendly-as usual, locals without air-conditioned vehicles will suffer the most from the exhaust fumes and unpleasant conditions. Nonetheless, the Panama City project is being rushed forward by the current administration.
Proponents of the project say it will alleviate traffic in the congested area of Bella Vista, and point out that the design incorporates environmental and aesthetic concerns; the Cinta Costera will be built on over 61 acres of landfill in the Bay of Panama, of which at least 49 acres have been designated as "green areas," with parks and monuments. It will run parallel to part of the existing Balboa Avenue, from the Punta Pacifica neighborhood to just before the old city in the district of San Felipe.
Public bidding began a month ago, with two groups presenting proposals that fulfilled the bid requirements. A special Public Works commission evaluated the proposals over a month's time.
Two companies, Constructora Norberto Odebrecht and Constructora Urbana S.A. joined together as Odebrecht-CUSA to present the proposal that has been declared the winner, with a score of 96 points out of 100. The other competing group, called Consorcio Cinta Costera and formed by three companies (Ingenieros Civiles Asociados Panama S.A., or ICA, FCC Construcción, S.A. and M&S Internacional S.A.), scored a total of 86 points.
Proposals were rated based on price, technical design, construction experience and technical team. Odebrecht-CUSA has offered to complete the project for $189.1 million.
The Panama Ministry of Public Works (MOP) will give the order to proceed no later than August 20. Once the order is given, Odebrecht-CUSA will have 30 days to commence work on the project.
Best Regards,
Jessica Ramesch
Editor, Panama Insider
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