Nicaragua to build new port on Ometepe island

Nicaragua is planning to begin the first stage of construction of a new port in Moyogalpa municipality on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua.

Rosario Murillo (pictured), vice president and first lady, said that the port will be called Gaspar García Laviana, adding that a design has already been drawn up. 

“From the executive president of the national ports company, Virgilio Silva, we have received a beautiful dossier in color with the design that he will present in the next few days,” she was reported as saying by outlet Viva Nicaragua.

She added that "Gaspar García Laviana port ... will meet the great demand that Ometepe island has for national and international tourism, as well as trade.”

Murillo added that the first phase of the project – which includes the construction of administrative offices, parking lots and ramps to serve ships, would begin on June 20. No details were mentioned of the required investments or the construction schedule. 

Ometepe island is located in the south part of the country in the biggest lake in Central America, close to the border with Costa Rica. 

Photo credit: AFP