Government plan for San Felipe declared a ploy

In the midst of the debate on the construction of the third stage of the Cinta Costera involving a causeway around Casco Antiguo  Panama's government has announced a San Felipe development plan.

The plan in collaboration with Spain, is for the preservation and revitalization of the Old Town.

However, the announcement, involving bodies such as the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and the National Institute of Culture (INAC), comes amid criticism from groups over the construction of a marine viaduct connecting Avenida Balboa and the Avenida de los Poetas which they believe will spoil the integrity  of the historic site.

The intention, according to authorities, is the regulation and development of the historic area incorporating a holistic approach to its problems including roads, socialfacilities, , housing, cultural centers, and tourist activity.

Although the general plan will be developed over a period of three years, in 2012 the first proposals will be presented presented to the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO ( UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Patricia Pinzon, leader of  AVACA, (the  neighborhood Association of Casco Antiguo) says the plan is a "lie" ofr the government. "If they really wish to preserve the Old Town, they would stop the construction of the third phase of the coastal strip, as requested by Unesco. We know they will do a viaduct and  various  land fillings," she said.

The activist was emphatic that there are already laws to regulate building and construction within Casco Antiguo, but they are not enforced. She used as an example the fact that developing projects is prohibited within 200 meters from the old town, but the Government itself plans two landfills in the marine part of area.

Meanwhile, Hildegard Vásquez, executive director of the Calicanto Foundation believes that there is no real intention of the authorities to protect the area

"This is just a ploy.  They also formed a commission to preserve historical and natural sites, but they themselves violate the laws and international agreements," said Vasquez Tthe commission met only once in six months.

The Minister of  Public Works, Federico Suarez, said the Panamanian heritage has been forgotten for over 15 years.

"Our assets are not ornaments, must have life. This plan is part of a comprehensive project” He said.

Maria Eugenia Herrera, director of INAC, said that this plan is not only revitalize the building structure,s but also to give people who live there opportunities for development.

On Friday, December 9, the Panamanian and Spanish governments signed a memorandum to begin developing the conservation plan of the Old Town