PANAMA CITY — An array of boats glided along central Panama’s Indio River on Friday, carrying nearly 200 protestors—primarily farmers—who brandished Panamanian flags. Their demonstration was a stance against a proposed reservoir for the Panama Canal, intended to tackle the water shortages that have emerged as a threat to the global trade passage.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) asserts that constructing the reservoir is the optimal solution for providing an additional water source to over two million residents in Panama City. It is also seen as crucial for maintaining efficient canal operations in the years to come. The canal, which demands approximately 189 million liters (50 million gallons) of freshwater for each vessel transit, experienced significant water scarcity in 2023. This shortage, attributed to insufficient rainfall, compelled authorities to cut down canal crossings by 20% and led to delays in maritime traffic. According to authorities, the reservoir, which would require four years and an investment of $1.6 billion to complete, has the potential to facilitate 12 to 13 more daily ship crossings and support new water treatment plants currently in development.
Contrarily, the dissenters argue that utilizing the Indio River for the reservoir within the canal’s watershed would necessitate the displacement of approximately 2,000 inhabitants due to the flooding of their communities. Furthermore, other areas downstream might experience diminished river flow repercussions.
Among those expressing disapprobation was Iris Gallardo, a teacher from the Guasimo community and an activist with the “No to Reservoirs” movement. She joined her fellow demonstrators in the boat protest, brandishing Panamanian flags as a symbol of their opposition to the project and the anticipated relocations.
Gallardo stated that the collective demand was for the reservoir proposed by the ACP not to proceed without thorough consultation and consent from the impacted communities. The protestors offered an alternative solution by suggesting Bayano Lake, located to the east of the capital, as a substitute. However, authorities have rejected this proposal due to logistical and legal hurdles, higher potential costs, and the greater displacement of 200,000 individuals—far exceeding the current plan’s implications.
Authorities argue that the project will create employment opportunities for the local communities, and emphasize that the resettlement strategy is being developed collaboratively with those affected. Former Panama Canal administrator, Jorge Luis Quijano, emphasized the gravity of the water issue, noting that some project opponents may not fully grasp the seriousness of the situation.
“The only way to have water is to store it,” Quijano remarked, underscoring the critical nature of advancing plans for the reservoir to secure the canal’s functionality and meet the city’s water demands.