Water plan advances with 21 works and solutions for Taboga and Chitré

The Panamanian economy achieved a rebound in its growth of 4.8% during the first quarter of this year compared to the previous one, announced this Thursday, June 18, the President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, echoing the statistics published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC).

Mulino highlighted in his weekly conference that his administration's economic policy places Panama among the five economies that grew the most in Latin America, doubling the regional average. This result is produced by the expansion of logistics and transportation services, tourism, wholesale and retail trade, as well as the construction industry.

He stressed that, after two years of administration, this result is part of the programs adopted by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), which organized the economy in a serious and responsible manner. With this, the hardest stage of the economic plan is completed, which is expected to begin to show these results and benefits for the second semester.

"This growth in statistics will begin to be noticed in the streets with more movement, more job creation and opportunities. Certainly there have been two years of great organization, of accommodating the nation's finances and resources in a responsible manner, and we are beginning to see positive results," highlighted the president.

In energy matters, he highlighted the State's effort to cover fuel increases due to global situations with resources; However, he stressed that, like last week, when there was a drop, the trend shows that for this week the price of fuel is decreasing.

During the announcement period, President Mulino highlighted that one of the priority issues that his administration will maintain is the distribution of drinking water in the homes of all Panamanians. To achieve this, work is being done on 21 fronts simultaneously in different regions of the country.

Among these works, he highlighted that Taboga already has drinking water suitable for human consumption, through a new and modern plant that allows it to supply the population and commerce of the island.

Within the framework of these announcements, he mentioned that the Institute of National Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan) carried out 317 repairs in areas such as San Miguelito, Betania and Juan Díaz, as part of the Panama Without Leaks program, which results in less water loss, as well as greater quantity and pressure in homes.

Likewise, he highlighted the approval of the expansion and modernization of the Roberto Reina water treatment plant, in Chitré, for an amount of B/.22.5 million. On the other hand, in Panama Oeste, the Howard water treatment plant has crews of 200 workers who are advancing the work on the water intake and the electrical connection.

“In a few months we will be able to provide abundant water to Panama Oeste, especially Arraiján, with these advances that we are making and other 21 works that are being carried out to solve the suffering of thousands of Panamanians due to the lack of water,” added Mulino.

Next year the constituent process will begin

When referring to the constitutional literacy initiative currently underway, President Mulino expressed that he hopes that his successor in office will swear on a new National Constitution, which has been developed during his government.

Likewise, he pointed out that, in his opinion, the reform of the State is the most important aspect that the next Magna Carta should contain, given that the country's legal-political system has collapsed. The constitutional literacy sessions led by Dr. Miguel Antonio Bernal will lead next year to a broad, democratic and inclusive constituent process, the president detailed.

When referring to the constitutional literacy initiative currently underway, President Mulino expressed that he hopes that his successor in office will swear on a new National Constitution, which has been developed during his government.

Likewise, he pointed out that, in his opinion, the reform of the State is the most important aspect that the next Magna Carta should contain, given that the country's legal-political system has collapsed. The constitutional literacy sessions led by Dr. Miguel Antonio Bernal will lead next year to a broad, democratic and inclusive constituent process, the president detailed.

Support for comptroller inspections

On the other hand, Mulino expressed his support for the inspections and visits that the Comptroller General of the Republic, Anel Flores, is carrying out to projects with investment of public money. "The idea is that all the projects flow, that the money is spent well and that there is control and surveillance. I believe that Mr. Flores has already broken the times of the 'refrigerated' comptrollers; he is on the street, investigating each of the projects where there is public money invested, so that they continue to be invested well," the president stressed.

Interest in the next election in the Legislature

With a view to the upcoming election of a new president of the Legislative Body, President Mulino declared that he has held meetings with deputies from all parties of the National Assembly. These meetings have taken place at the Palacio de las Garzas, and none have been secret.

“As President of the Republic, I met with the government bench because I am interested in the future of the presidential election of the Assembly on July 1. We talked about that,” Mulino stressed, arguing that next year will be crucial to carry out law initiatives that the country needs.