Panama's MOP Launches Projects to Create 30,000 Jobs

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) of Panama is reviewing new proposals from contractors to obtain better prices. Out of 47 projects, 38 have already been evaluated, and 12 others were analyzed but their prices were not accepted, so the MOP is reviewing new proposals with other contractors to get better prices. Minister of the MOP, José Luis Andrade, informed that these are 35 projects and a Public-Private Partnership (APP), with which the creation of 10,000 direct and 20,000 indirect jobs is estimated. He explained that of the 35 projects, 22 have already been awarded, four are under evaluation, and two will be tendered at the end of this year. The rest of the projects will be developed during the first two months of 2026. The head of the MOP pointed out that the goal is to have the 100 bridges ready by the month of March. He detailed that most of the works will start in the month of March. For the year 2026, the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) plans to generate some 30,000 jobs through projects for the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges throughout the country. He added that he is committed to using all the beams before his administration ends. Regarding the theft of H-beams, the minister specified that a third of the beams and several scraps have been recovered. Regarding the construction of bridges in the region, the minister indicated that the construction of 100 bridges is contemplated. In addition, to production roads. Andrade detailed that the works include the rehabilitation of streets, tourist projects such as the rehabilitation of the road to El Valle, the road to Cambutal beach, in Tonosí, and the Coffee Routes, in Boquete.