Casco Viejo heritage designation threatened

A UNESCO committee of  monument  and history experts that visited Panama in November 2013 has published a technical report  recommending the delisting Casco Viejo as a World Heritage site.

When the committee arrived they assessed the impact of the new highway circling the old city. Casco Viejo, a favored visiting spot for tourists and Isthmus residents, was built when the defenders of the original city, besieged by Captain Henry Morgan, retreated after torching the structures.

 The completed roadworks which now block the view of Casco from the east was opened with much fanfare by President Ricardo Martinelli on April 6, and subsequently illuminated with multi-colored lights.
The controversial structure cost $782 million, which was well in excess of the cost of the tunnel alternative proposed by local architects and engineers.
President Martinelli overrode the objections of opponents and the threat of delisting and gave the go ahead for the highway, designated Cinta Costera III, and touted as one of the major achievements of his presidency.
When Newsroom first described it as a “done deal” there was a flurry of e-mails saying “that ain’t so.”
Martinelli claims the highway will provide jobs for the residents of Chorillo. Opponents suggest that developers will move in, forcing low income residents out, as the area becomes another Punta Pacifica.
The much sought after World Heritage designation is highly valued by tourist operators, and is regularly cited in promotional material.
The original city site surrounding the partially restored cathedral will likely retain its designation following the contsruction of a diversionary road to reduce traffic damage to the historical remains.