Transport minister presents new road projects in Ecuador

Ecuador's public works and transport minister, Pául Granda, presented a new road works plan for southern Azuay province, according to a press release from his ministry (MTOP).

The new program includes the possibility of creating Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP) and concessions for the construction and maintenance of the roads, according to the ministry.

The minister clarified that the government expects to invest up to US$330mn in the three projects that will also include works in other provinces, according to government news outlet El Ciudadano.

The new projects included in this plan are:

• Cuenca- Azogues- Biblián speedway repairs: Entails the installation of seven transit distributors in order to improve traffic conditions on the road, benefiting 17,000 users. This will require spending of US$48mn.
• El Descanso- Gualaceo- Paute stretch construction: A new 27km four lane road will be built on the road that connects the city of Cuenca with the province's eastern cantons. This will also include a 1km tunnel, according El Ciudadano. This will require around US$200mn in spending.
• Panamericana Sur Access Road: A four lane 16km stretch that will facilitate access to Caldas. The required spending is US$61mn. It is expected that works will begin on 2021, Granda explained.

At the same time, the minister highlighted that the government is also working on six highway projects that are currently under execution. These stretches are:

• Cuenca- Azogues- Biblián speedway construction (US$108mn)
• Ordóñez - Lasso highway (US$20mn)
• Minas- Tablón - Pucará (US$8mn)
• Cuenca - Girón- Pasaje (US$38mn)
• Gualaceo-Plan de Milagro-Limón (US$55mn)
• Sígsig-Matanga-Gualaquiza (US$65mn)

As for maintenance works, Granda said that nearly US$23mn will be invested on the Cuenca- Molleturo -Naranjal stretch, while another US$18mn will be used for the Cuenca-La Jarata- Oña road, El Ciudadano added.