The Costa Rica News (TCRN) – After an intense discussion and amid doubts from some lawmakers, Congress approved a loan for $395 million with China to expand Route 32, the main highway to Limon.
With 46 votes in favor, 6 against, the deputies gave backing to this project.
Although initially they were scheduled to vote on the initiative Wednesday morning, lawmakers extended the discussion to a second debate because there were doubts about the statement provided by the Minister of Public Works and Transportation ( MOPT ), Carlos Segnini, after a council on Tuesday.
Segnini said the government will not give approval of the initiative until it amends a number of comments to the draft provided for the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC).
For the development of this project, Costa Rica will contribute $89 million, which added to the $395 million provided by the Chinese makes a total cost of $485 million.
This credit was approved by MEPs despite observations made by the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) and the Association of Engineers Architects (CFIA), who noted a lack of clarity in the relocation of utilities and expropriation of land.
The project provides an extension of 107 kilometers between Rio Frio and Limón, one of the most important sections of the Braulio Carrillo highway.
The government expects that the road will be ready in eight months. Construction will begin in 2016. (Amelia Rueda)
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose, Costa Rica
