Minister Andrade stated at a press conference: “These are not just projects on paper, but the concrete start of works that will require Panamanian labor to advance and be completed.” Twenty projects have already been awarded for over B/.190 million. This initiative aims to boost economic recovery and generate more than 10,000 direct and 20,000 indirect jobs, reported Public Works Minister (MOP) José Luis Andrade this Friday. These works are part of the strategy of President José Raúl Mulino's administration to recover projects abandoned by previous governments and to bid on new ones. “This will benefit one million people,” added Andrade. The head of the MOP also explained that the management carried out in 2025 has allowed for a global saving of 12.25%, equivalent to B/.26.5 million. The National Government, through the MOP, will launch in 2026 “an employment revolution for Panamanians,” the minister indicated. Between January, February, and March of next year, 35 works will begin nationwide. Starting in January 2026, the National Government will begin the execution of over 30 road projects throughout the country for approximately B/.1,220 million. Two projects are currently in the bidding process, and between January and February, seven more projects will be put out for tender. The project with the greatest impact is the Corredor de las Playas – Variante Campana, a strategic 18.6-kilometer work that was abandoned by previous governments. “All were awarded at the lowest bid price,” he clarified. There are six projects under evaluation, and it is expected that in the first weeks of the coming year they will have been awarded and the order to proceed will be given in the summer. Their start is scheduled for March, and in addition to improving connectivity between the capital city and the interior of the country, it will generate important sources of direct and indirect employment, contributing to the dynamization of the regional economy. Among the strategic works mentioned are also the rehabilitation and expansion of the David – Boquete highway, the rehabilitation of the Alto Boquete – Caldera – Puente Los Valles road, the intervention of the CPA – El Valle de Antón highway, the improvement of urban streets in Aguadulce, Panamá Norte, Metetí, Gorgona, Chame, and San Carlos, as well as production roads that strengthen agricultural activity in provinces like Chiriquí, Coclé, Herrera, and Los Santos. It also includes a plan of 16 “Tapahuecos” programs to recover internal roads in poor condition, both in the capital and in the interior of the country.
