Panama Canal's Controversial $1.6 Billion Reservoir Faces Legal Challenge
The Panama Canal's plan for a $1.6 billion reservoir faces a Supreme Court challenge over claims of constitutional breaches and lack of genuine consultation with affected communities. Residents argue the relocation is unjustified. The reservoir aims to boost canal capacity and provide drinking water but faces local opposition.
A contentious $1.6 billion plan to build a new reservoir for the Panama Canal has come under legal scrutiny, with affected communities filing a challenge with the Supreme Court. Residents argue that the project breaches constitutional rights and environmental agreements, citing poor consultation efforts by the canal authority.
The proposed reservoir would increase the canal's capacity by 15 vessels daily during the dry season and supply drinking water to Panama's population. However, local groups argue the relocation of approximately 2,500 residents is unnecessary. An alternative expansion project using the Bayano River, which wouldn't displace families, has been suggested.
Critics, including the Coordinadora Campesina por la Vida, accuse the canal authority of misleading polling results and stress the need for genuine community dialogue. Environmentalists have also raised concerns about the environmental impact, including biodiversity loss. Protests outside the court reflect the tension surrounding the expansive canal development plans.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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