The Ministry of Public Works reaffirms its focus on responsible environmental management and community transparency as axes of provincial development. The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) held a citizen consultation focused on the Quebrada Ancha – María Chiquita road project, a project that contemplates the study, design, construction, and financing of this strategic road in the province of Colón. According to Valencia, improving road infrastructure is key to dynamizing the region's economy and boosting tourist activity through more efficient transit. The meeting was backed by various authorities, including the governor of Colón, Julio Hernández, along with representatives from the corregimiento. The event was attended by community leaders and residents of Costa Arriba, who learned firsthand about the transparency and participation plans governing this infrastructure. Edgar Peregrina, director of the MOP's Office of Special Projects, presented the technical details of the project and underlined its relevance for the connectivity and economic growth of the Santa Rita and Costa Arriba sectors. In both venues, local residents and representatives of surrounding areas raised concerns and received exhaustive information about the scope of the construction work. Cristóbal Valencia, president of the Portobelo Tourism Chamber, stated that the new road will be a pillar for strengthening access to the Costa Arriba of Colón. MOP holds citizen consultation on the Quebrada Ancha – María Chiquita road project. • Authorities and residents of the province of Colón analyzed the scope of the road project that seeks to optimize connectivity and tourism in the region. Peregrina explained that these sessions are fundamental requirements to proceed with the registration of the road's easement, under compliance with Law 6 of February 1, 2006, which regulates territorial planning and land use in the country. The consultations were held at two times and venues: at 10:00 a.m. in the María Chiquita sector and at 1:00 p.m. at the Santa Rita Arriba school. On the part of the MOP, Nancy Gaitán, technical coordinator of the Public Works Secretariat; Eligia De León, from the Environmental Section; Elvin Ábrego, regional director in Colón; and Gabriela Yángüez, from Legal Advisory, attended. Likewise, the presence of Karla Allen, representing the contracting company Transeq–Estrella, and officials from the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Ordering (MIVIOT) was counted.
