Arraiján Council Resolves Conflict with Panama Canal Authority

The Arraiján Municipal Council has decided to end the conflict between Mayor Stefany Peñalba and the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) over the permit for the rehabilitation of the Bruja-Cocolí road and the exemption from municipal tax payments. Luzdenia Oliver, president of the council, explained that during the meeting, it was clarified that although Mayor Peñalba's proposal was heard, the tax exemption is the prerogative of the council members. During an extraordinary meeting held this Thursday, which was attended by Mayor Peñalba, she avoided making statements, as did Vice Mayor Oliver Ríos. Oliver added that the ACP has also been asked to open a communication channel to allow the district's population to benefit from the social projects it develops within communities located in the Panama Canal basin. This is the first time Mayor Peñalba has attended a Municipal Council session in 2026, following the demolition of the Chinese monument at the Mirador del Puente de las Américas. However, she clarified that if the ACP proceeds to hire any private company to carry out the road rehabilitation work, it must comply with tax payments. The preliminary calculation of the construction tax exceeds $17,000, although the amount could vary depending on the work to be carried out. The latter stated that he was not authorized to give interviews to the media.