Public Works Minister backs Cinta Costera referendum

Public Works Minister,Federico Suarez, said he agrees with holding a referendum to determine the best way to develop phase three of the Cinta Costera.

There will be two choices only. A causeway across the Bay of Panama or a coastal highway encircling Casco Viejo.

 "I agree with everything that goes to benefit the Panamanian people said Suarez “President Ricardo Martinelli has been clear. He wants a public consultation and will set the guidelines."
The fact that the query includes only the districts of El Chorrillo, SantaAna and San Felipe Suarez said doesn’t worry him  because he believes  these areas t will benefit most  from the work.
Others have questioned the limited  consultation. fotmer Electoral Tribunal judge  Guillermo Márquez Amado said a  "local" referendum,  does not take into account all citizens.
"Sounds like a good idea, but I think it should not refer to only a few," he told La Prensa.
Mesanwhile, Odebretch, the company comissioned to  construct the  multi million dollar third phase, has  begun  work on the rehabilitation of the Avenue of Poets and the underground cables and pipelines of public services in San Felipe.
In addition to the burial of power lines and telephone in San Felipe, the government also envisages the diversion of the Cinquantenaire Avenue in Panama. This is part of the work to preserve the historical  complex of Panama Viejo, Panama’s original city, which is affected by heavy traffic passing through the old ruins