On Monday, approximately 300 Panamanians gathered in Panama City to voice their opposition to the construction of a new reservoir intended to support the Panama Canal. The project, which is set to begin next year, aims to secure a reliable water supply for the canal and mitigate potential drought risks. However, it will necessitate the resettlement of about 2,000 residents.
Project Details and Community Impact
The Panama Canal Authority plans to build the reservoir on the Indio River, west of the canal. Currently, the canal relies on water stored in artificial lakes. The relocation efforts will start with the town of El Limon de Chagres, where the construction of the reservoir is expected to commence. Additionally, community cemeteries will be closed to facilitate the project.
Protest leader Maricel Sanchez emphasized the community's resistance to the resettlement during a demonstration in front of the Supreme Court. She read a statement from the affected communities, asserting their refusal to leave the area. Legal action has also been initiated, with a motion filed in court to invalidate the government order permitting the exhumation and transfer of bodies from the affected cemeteries.
Tristan Santander, an attorney involved in the case, informed AFP that the motion aims to halt the government's order to move the bodies. The protestors argue that the project threatens their way of life and cultural heritage, as many of the affected residents have lived in the area for generations.
The canal's operations are critical to global trade, and the new reservoir is seen as essential to ensure its continued functionality. However, the human cost of this expansion has sparked significant controversy, with many questioning the balance between economic needs and community rights.
