Drought busters, $127,000 to shower revelers.

WHILE the debate continues  over water conservation during the ongoing drought caused by the El Nino  phenomenon, Panama’s  Tourism Authority (ATP) has approved $ 127,000 to  hire nine tankers to spray water on revelers at Carnival on the Cinta Costera, Feb.6-9).

According to data published in PanamáCompra, there are eight water tankers for culecos and one for drinking water that will be sold at kiosks.

In December 2015, the ATP asked for bids, but  none  was presented, so the administrative act was declared void.

The ATP also asked for    bids for the design and  and manufacture coronation dress, shoes and accessories for the Carnival Queen and her two princesses.

No bids were made and the ATP has three options: re-tender, award the contract directly or cancel the tender.

A $100,000 contract for food for  safety officials guarding the Cinta Costera

The service includes preparing 20,000 meals (including breakfast, lunch and dinner) from  Feb 5-10. The only bidder was Niko’s Café.

Fireworks over six nights will cosat $58,500

The capital budget for the Carnival 2016 is $1.5 million.