Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino formally initiated a major road rehabilitation project for the key tourist route to El Valle de Antón on Friday, March 13. The $12.5 million public works contract aims to repair 34.8 kilometers of roadway in Coclé Province to boost local economies and improve safety.
Mulino was joined by Public Works Minister José Luis Andrade for the signing ceremony. They issued the official order to proceed to the construction consortium Transeq-Copsa. The project directly responds to longstanding infrastructure needs in a region popular with both domestic and international visitors.
Economic and Social Benefits of the Road Rehabilitation
Government estimates indicate the roadwork will benefit over 20,000 residents. Officials project a significant positive impact on the area’s agricultural, commercial, and tourism sectors. Improved connectivity is expected to facilitate the transport of goods and attract more visitors to the mountainous town.
The Ministry of Public Works (Panama) outlined the project’s broad scope. It represents a strategic investment in Coclé’s primary infrastructure. This kind of targeted development is part of a wider national strategy to enhance provincial infrastructure.
“We speak little, but we do a lot,” President Mulino stated during the event. [Translated from Spanish]
Mulino’s brief remark underscored his administration’s focus on action over rhetoric. The event highlighted a practical approach to fulfilling campaign promises about infrastructure development. This project follows a similar pattern of the government moving quickly to proceed with announced initiatives.
Additional Projects Launched in Chame and San Carlos
The same ceremony saw the launch of two additional infrastructure packages in the Panama Oeste Province. Mulino authorized a $1.75 million project for streets in the Gorgona corregimiento. A consortium including the bocas generation company will handle 6.1 kilometers of roadwork there.
A third, larger contract was also approved for the districts of Chame and San Carlos. Valued at $10.6 million, this project will rehabilitate 38.1 kilometers of local streets. The Ministry of Public Works says it will directly aid more than 30,000 inhabitants.
Specific roads slated for work include the Panamericana–Punta Chame route and the El Salado–Llano Grande road. Work in San Carlos will focus on areas like Los Pintos, La Gloria, and the Camino Los Colibrís. These improvements target daily commutes and local business logistics.
With these three orders to proceed signed, construction crews are expected to mobilize rapidly. The combined investment of nearly $25 million signals a concentrated push on provincial road networks. Residents and business owners in the affected areas now await the tangible results of this governmental action.