Panama’s Ministry of Public Works has suspended a planned eviction of hundreds of businesses in a historic Afro-Antillean food district. The decision, announced on March 18, 2026, halts an order that would have cleared the “Vereda Afroantillana” in Rio Abajo to make way for a major bus lane expansion on Via España. Officials now promise to work with merchants on a collaborative relocation plan.
The suspension came directly from the director of Special Projects at the Ministry of Public Works (Panama), Edgar Peregrina. He informed business owners that the eviction scheduled for March 30 is officially on hold. This shift follows intense discussions with community leaders and merchants who argued nearly 600 establishments faced displacement.
“The eviction planned for March 30, 2026, is suspended,” Peregrina stated during a community meeting. [Translated from Spanish] “We will reorganize the Afro-Antillean walkway to improve its layout and even allow for the incorporation of more businesses.”
Instead of forced removal, the ministry and the Panama Municipality will jointly manage a relocation of the affected commerce. The goal is to keep the vibrant food district within the Rio Abajo area, specifically between 12th and 14th streets. This immediate compromise aims to balance urgent infrastructure needs with preserving local culture and livelihoods.
Via España Expansion Seeks to Modernize Public Transit
The conflict stems from the “Project for the Study, Design, Construction and Financing of the Expansion of Exclusive MiBus (Panama) Lanes on Via España.” This 80 million dollar project was awarded to the C&T Via España Consortium. It will widen the key artery over approximately six kilometers, from Porras Avenue to Cincuentenario Avenue.
Plans include constructing sidewalks up to three meters wide on both sides and adding dedicated lanes for the public bus system. The entire project has an estimated execution period of 900 days, or about two years and five months without setbacks. Officials frame it as a critical step to modernize public transport, reduce commute times, and improve road safety for thousands of daily users.
Minister of Public Works José Luis Andrade clarified the project’s footprint. He said 58 businesses sit entirely within the public easement on Via España where construction will occur. Another 300 establishments only partially occupy that space. The ministry emphasized its commitment to a direct, door-to-door socialization process to address concerns and build consensus before any physical work begins.
“This socialization process is carried out directly with the involved actors,” Peregrina explained to merchants. [Translated from Spanish] “We are explaining the benefits, addressing concerns, and fostering agreements to allow us to advance in an orderly manner.”
Community leaders present at the meeting expressed cautious optimism. They reiterated their willingness to support the infrastructure project but demanded meaningful consideration during its execution. Attendees included local representative Maritza Villarreal, human rights director Julio De Gracia, and activist Franklin Robinson, owner of the Boho Food Town restaurant.
Project Promises to Preserve Trees and Community Space
Beyond the business relocations, the ministry addressed environmental concerns. Project leaders stated that more than 150 trees along the route would not be cut down. Instead, they plan to incorporate the trees into the expanded green area and a broader reforestation process for the corridor. This pledge responds to public alarm over previous tree removal along Via España for earlier phases of the widening effort.
The affected area is located in the Rio Abajo Corregimiento (administrative division), a densely populated district known for its cultural heritage. The “Vereda Afroantillana” is a landmark food walkway celebrating Panama’s Afro-Caribbean history and cuisine. Its potential erasure had sparked significant public debate about development priorities in the capital city.
Authorities confirmed the next steps hinge on finalizing the project contract. Once that is perfected, they will proceed with the legal and administrative processes to clear the road easement. All actions, they stress, will comply with current regulations while guaranteeing respect for the rights of merchants and residents. The coming weeks will test the promised collaboration as detailed relocation plans are drafted and shared with a wary but engaged business community.