IL Postcard

A Cleaner Bay: COPISA Wins Bid for Phase I of Cleanup

Date: 08/05/2006

Dear Panama First Alert Reader,

Those who live and travel to Panama will soon be able to breathe more easily…now that plans are underway for the massive Bay of Panama cleanup project.

The Panamanian government has accepted a bid from Consultores Profesionales de Ingeniería SA (COPISA) for Phase I of the project. The Panamanian government had stringent requirements for the bay project and says COPISA is the only company with the experience that fits the bill. Many locals feel it bodes well for the project that the government did not automatically choose the lowest bidder, but rather opted for a group with proven know-how and experience.

This first phase of the cleanup encompasses the installation of over 21 miles of sewage lines, to service some 44,000 Panamanians living in suburbs near the capital. This will cost approximately $7.1 million-the amount cited in COPISA's bid.

Although Panama City is known for having a great water system, particularly as compared to other Central American countries, there are still urban and rural areas that have intermittent or nonexistent water service. Add to that the surprising rate at which the capital is growing and the ever-rising influx of immigrants, and it becomes highly apparent that Panama will have to do much if it plans to keep up with demand.

This long-awaited project is considered by many to be crucial to maintaining Panama City's reputation as a First-World capital. Considering the current construction boom and the upcoming Canal referendum, it is safe to say that a lot is going on in this tiny bicoastal nation. It is an exciting time to be here and IL will be watching to see how the project progresses.

Best Regards,

Brandon Clogston
International Living / Panama

PS: We'll keep you up to date about the Bay of Panama Project in upcoming issues of Panama Insider, International Living's online publication for those who are interested in living or investing in Panama. Find out how to subscribe to Panama Insider here.
* Source: David Mesa, La Prensa de Panama, www.prensa.com, July 27, 2006 Archives.