ACP on the Indio River Project: ‘It is a Priority in the Investment Budget’

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) published in its registry Resolution No. ACP-JD-RM-25-1542 of January 29, 2025.   It establishes the priority of the Río Indio project.  The document, which was published on February 21, 2025, establishes that this water project is a priority for the operation of the waterway.  It also suggested that the ACP’s investment budget includes a project called “Construction of a multipurpose reservoir in the Indio River basin”, which is part of the “Water Projects Program”.  This program aims to obtain and manage water resources in a “sustainable” manner for the populations surrounding the Panama Canal basin. It also aims to achieve continuous, safe, reliable and profitable operation in accordance with what is already established in the ACP regulations.  Another important point of the resolution is that the census in the areas impacted by the project “Construction of a multipurpose reservoir in the Indio River basin” must be completed by April 30 of 2025. 

The ACP will therefore subsequently develop a “Resettlement and Livelihood Restoration Action Plan” through informed participation and dialogue with citizens.  This resolution was announced on the day the ACP Board of Directors approved the funds needed to build a new lake in the middle section of the Indio River basin.  This project is part of the “comprehensive solution to the water problem in Panama”, as it increases the storage capacity of water resources.  Therefore, it is a preparation for future droughts, such as the one that will occur between 2023 and 2024, and is one more step towards the sustainability, reliability and competitiveness of the Panama Canal.  According to a statement from the ACP, the Board of Directors established that the approved funds are for compensation, resettlement and support for families and owners who are impacted by the work.

Funds Approved for the Indio River Project Include Compensation for Residents

According to the Panama Canal Authority (ACP), this project is part of the “comprehensive solution to the water problem in Panama” since it increases the storage capacity of water resources.  Therefore, it is a preparation for future droughts, such as the one that will occur between 2023 and 2024, and is one more step towards the sustainability, reliability and competitiveness of the Panama Canal.  According to a statement from the ACP, the Board of Directors established that the approved funds are for compensation, resettlement and support for families and owners who are impacted by the work.  “This process will be carried out in a fair and orderly manner, in compliance with international best practices in social and environmental matters,” the ACP stressed.