Panama: Over 70% of families accept compensation for Rio Indio project

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced that more than 70% of families impacted by the Rio Indio lake project have agreed to the compensation plan. Ilya Espino de Marotta, the designated ACP administrator, stated that this consensus is the result of nine months of extensive dialogue with the affected communities. During this period, over 200 meetings were held to listen to the families' concerns and refine the compensation measures.

“

The question is not whether we agree with the project. The question is how the compensation can be adequate.

"The question is not whether we agree with the project. The question is how the compensation can be adequate," Espino de Marotta said, emphasizing the collaborative approach. The agreed-upon document will now move into its execution phase, which involves disbursing compensation payments and identifying suitable relocation sites for the families. The ACP has properties available in Coclé, Panamá Oeste, and Colón provinces for the project's development.

“

The families are satisfied with what we have been discussing for nine months; it is what is reflected in that document.

Espino de Marotta explained that the relocation process will be individualized, with families being shown potential resettlement properties to agree on a new plan. While conversations continue with the remaining 30% of families who have not yet accepted the agreement, the ACP is confident that more will come on board as they witness the Canal fulfilling its promises. The administrator also assured that no land purchase scams against farmers have been detected, as all transactions require ACP approval. The resettlement process is expected to unfold gradually over several years, with initial agreements and property evaluations already underway.

“

Now, family by family, we are showing them the possible resettlement properties to then agree with them on that new plan.