Uruguay senator demands halt to Casupá dam project over environmental concerns

Senator Martín Lema has called for the immediate suspension of all bidding, expropriation, and related procedures for the Casupá dam project, a key initiative to reinforce the water supply for Uruguay's metropolitan area. Lema argues that continuing these processes without comprehensive environmental impact studies is both technically unsound and institutionally hazardous.

The project, which also includes installing a second water treatment plant in Aguas Corrientes, has secured significant funding. The Andean Development Corporation (CAF) has agreed to provide a loan of up to $130 million for the Casupá dam construction, with an 18-year amortization period and a 66-month grace period.

Lema expressed concern that advancing administrative and budgetary stages without concrete technical data prevents a proper evaluation of the project's viability, sustainability, and true cost. He also highlighted the need for a contingency plan to mitigate potential environmental damage and harm.

His concerns are echoed by local residents worried about the project's potential consequences. Lema invoked Article 47 of the Constitution, which tasks the Ministry of Environment with protecting biodiversity and overseeing state and private actions. He contends that initiating construction without necessary scientific information to assess impacts and risks is incompatible with this constitutional mandate.