Alternative plan for Cinta Costera saves millions, adds social benefits

An alternative solution to existing plans for the extension of Panama's Costal Strip (Cinta Costera,)  would save the taxpayer over $228 million and improve the lives of people living in Santa Ana and El Chorillo.

The  plan , based on a study done by four universities, two local and two  foreign, between 2005 and 2007, includes social investments, the protection OF a world heritage site, widening of an existing roadway and the saving of over $228, million for taxpayers. (jathumbnail off}

It was put forward on Saturday July 9, by the National Front for the Defense of Panama’s Historical, Cultural and Nature and pointed the way to  the social development of the two districts.

Instead of spending $ 776.9 million on  construction that just provides another highway, the front suggested an alternative traffic route,which is already connected to the Cinta Costera another highway, plus the construction of 1,340 homes, five kindergartens, a college, a retirement home four soup kitchens and two community centers.

In addition, there would be a health center operating 24 hours, improvements to  the sewer system and  lighting and beautification of neighborhoods.

The plan , backed with charts, slides and  a budget, was presented by Pitu Jaen executive director of  Avaca, (Association of Friends and Neighbors of Casco Antiguo).

Patrizia Pinzon said that the outlay of $ 500 million would improve  living conditions and give dignity to the inhabitants of El Chorrillo and Santa Ana by providing jobs  and creating tourism potential. 
The proposal, includes  a connection to a widened  Martyr’s Avenue at a cost of $ 150 million, based on a study done by the  four universities

The alternative road, say members of the Front, will save between

$626 million and $ 450 million that the state can use to improve the social problems that afflict the people of these communities. “It is what is known elsewhere as social planning" said Pinzon.

The Government alternative is to build a landfill  that borders the Old City ,a proposal rejected by  members of the Front, because Casco Viejo risks losing its World Heritage designation,  and the neighborhood of Chorrillo would be marginalized for what seems to be a private real estate development:  New Amador.

The Universities which provided the studies were: Penn State, Texas Tech, University of Panama and  City of Knowledge Panama.