Divide and rule policy governs meeting on Bay viaduct

A public forum convened by the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) to discuss  a marine viaduct across the Bay of Panama, turned into a confrontation between residents of two affected areas.

The  weekend meeting was  supposed to be about the environmental impact assessment (EIA)  of a  proposed viaduct that will run from Avenida Balboa to Avenida de los Poetas, but was instead a clash between the residents of El Chorrillo and San Felipe over who would benefit, and the interpretation of government promises.

The chorrilleros voiced their belief the promises of the MOP that the project would increase the revalue their properties. The Minster of Public Works did   not attend  the meeting, although it seemed that the policy of divide and rule was working.

Ealier reports indicated   that residents of El CHorrilo has been paid to demonstrate in favor of the construction being carried out by the Brazilian company Oderbrecht whose contracts with the government have long passed the billion dollar mark.

Residents of San Felipe, who have been fighting a running, and many believe, a losing battle over government plans to extend the Cinta Costera with a four lane highway circling Casco Viejo however, argued that the work goes against equity in the Old Town, as Unesco (UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has  warned.

The government will present its plans to Unesco early in the New Year, and resident of Casco Viejo believe  the area could lose its designation as an historic site.