Above: Panama President Ricardo Martinelli at the opening of the irrigation project (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama President Ricardo Martinelli has opened a new irrigation project in the Tonosi Valley that could benefit some 5,000 residents of rural communities in the areas.

The project, which came at a cost of over $155 million, according to the President’s office, will develop irrigation in an area of 15 hectares.

“We cannot allow the country’s food security to be at risk, and that is why this government will continue to support producers,” Martinelli said.

The project will help flood the Tonosi Valley and a potential hydroelectric plant.

“This project will generate about nine megawatts of of electricity, which represents the same amount of the city of Chitre, and will help with the supply of drinking water,” he said.

Martinelli thanked the National Bank and the country’s Agricultural Development Bank for their support.