The Indio River Project Is Key To Securing Long-Term Water For The Canal, Says Minister Navarro

(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) Panama City: In an interview, Environment Minister Juan Carlos Navarro highlighted the importance of the project on the Indio River, promoted by the Panama Canal Authority. According to Navarro, the initiative is crucial to guarantee the sustainability of the Canal and the development of the country.

“This project is critical for Panama and must be carried out properly, both environmentally and socially. There can be no project in Río Indio without the participation of the communities, but it is a necessity for the country.” - Juan Carlos Navarro – Minister of Environment

Navarro emphasized that the expansion of the Panama Canal watershed is key to ensuring the long-term water supply and sustainability of the Canal. In this regard, the Ministry of Environment will support the communities, the Panama Canal Authority and the State in the development of the project.

“It is a positive project that will bring employment, investment and progress to all of Panama.” - Juan Carlos Navarro – Minister of Environment

Navarro stressed the importance of the project on the Indio River and the need to approach it seriously, especially with regard to the affected communities. The Environment Minister acknowledged that, although there are always people who try to take advantage of the situation, the priority must be to seriously attend to the families who have lived in the area for decades. He also called for unity, trusting that Panamanians will be able to reach agreements to carry out the project in a fair and sustainable manner. Navarro also stressed the seriousness of the environmental crisis facing the country, noting that it is essential to guarantee the water supply for both the Panama Canal and the water treatment plants nationwide. To this end, he emphasized the need to stop deforestation and strengthen the management of water resources.

Future of Water

Addressing the future drinking water crisis, Minister Navarro questioned the capacity of the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN) to conserve and distribute the resource efficiently.

“There is no point in sacrificing communities if we don't have a structure within Idaan that ensures water is properly conserved and millions of gallons are not lost to an inefficient system,” he said.

Navarro stressed that IDAAN has already begun to implement changes to improve water management, but insisted that it is necessary to continue with concrete solutions and greater attention to the environmental crisis.

“We cannot allow the destruction of watersheds to continue. It is time to act responsibly,” the minister concluded.

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