$11 million Metropolitan Cathedral restoration

PANAMA’S historic Metropolitan Cathedral in Casco Viejo, is finally heading for a $11 million complete restoration, to alleviate its deteriorating structure. The project is scheduled to be completed in less than two years.

The National Cultural Institute of Culture (INAC) has published the bidding details for total restoration. According to the published information the contract will be awarded for a best value tender with a base price of $ 11.1 million.
Companies interested in participating in the project must submit their proposals on April 15, 2015.
The document stipulates that the work should be completed in 22 months, once the work started.
The last time improvements were made was in 2003 for the Centennial of Panama as a republic, but only the doors were reconstructed with financial support from Germany.
The scope of the comprehensive restoration includes: “interiors walls, floors, ceilings, restoration work of the altarpieces and heritage furniture, , supplying and installing the chancel, vestry, altarpieces, stained glass, the bell and the outer covering of roofs, walls and bell towers “, the statement said.
Construction of The Metropolitan Cathedral began to in 1683 and is part of the Old Town of San Felipe, deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Restoration standards specify that any property in Casco Viejp cannot compete in height with the Cathedral.