Francisco Rivas Ríos.
"I have no business wanting to go to
that tender Good morning and thank you." It was the terse reply of a
broker, the interest of investors to participate in a Public Bidding Government
of Panama for the construction of a water treatment in the Province of Darien,
with an estimated value of $ US 15.0 million (Improvement and Extension of Water
Treatment Plant of Villa Darien, Township of Metetí, Pinogana District,
Province of Darien).
The government of Panama is preparing to invest US $ 300 million in infrastructure projects in the Ngäbe - Buglé. However, several acts have been declared "deserts" for lack of interested companies. It has resources but it takes companies to build the works.
For example, in the past decade, millions of dollars were invested in the construction of more than one hundred aqueducts in the Ngäbe - Buglé and latrines, which ended deteriorated for lack of maintenance (aqueducts) and in many cases disuse or poor construction (latrines).
What were the reasons for that failure? Government officials argue that all was due to the lack of commitment of indigenous communities and their leaders in maintenance. Traditional authorities, however, offer other compelling explanations: (a) investments were planned from office "chilled" in the capital with a focus on "top-down"; (b) designs systems were performed in the absence of the community during the dry season, regardless of modification of river flows in the rainy season; (c) contractors, in an effort to save costs and maximize profits, they altered the original designs and acquired inferior materials; and (d) corrupt officials responsible for the inspection of works, let a bad construction of aqueducts and latrines at a high price.
In remote regions of Panama has a long history of failure and frustration, regarding public investments. There is a "black legend" that frightens investors.
These proposals should include aspects such as respect for the cultural identity of indigenous peoples and poor rural communities. For purposes it is recommended: hiring expertor in the social area, the budget for programs and projects; to assist in establishing relations of cooperation and support to the activities of enterprises.
For example, in the past decade, millions of dollars were invested in the construction of more than one hundred aqueducts in the Ngäbe - Buglé and latrines, which ended deteriorated for lack of maintenance (aqueducts) and in many cases disuse or poor construction (latrines).
What were the reasons for that failure? Government officials argue that all was due to the lack of commitment of indigenous communities and their leaders in maintenance. Traditional authorities, however, offer other compelling explanations: (a) investments were planned from office "chilled" in the capital with a focus on "top-down"; (b) designs systems were performed in the absence of the community during the dry season, regardless of modification of river flows in the rainy season; (c) contractors, in an effort to save costs and maximize profits, they altered the original designs and acquired inferior materials; and (d) corrupt officials responsible for the inspection of works, let a bad construction of aqueducts and latrines at a high price.
In remote regions of Panama has a long history of failure and frustration, regarding public investments. There is a "black legend" that frightens investors.
These proposals should include aspects such as respect for the cultural identity of indigenous peoples and poor rural communities. For purposes it is recommended: hiring expertor in the social area, the budget for programs and projects; to assist in establishing relations of cooperation and support to the activities of enterprises.
