Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos on Wednesday signed a $1.2 billion budget for the improving the Magdalena river that connects the south of the country with the Caribbean coast in the north.
The head of state signed the document during a meeting with the council of ministers in Neiva, a city located in the valley of the Magdalena river.
This river is the country’s main waterway for the transport of cargo and passengers, and will benefit from investment in transport development, logistical development and environmental sustainability.
“The navigability of the river will be increased by channeling works and maintenance, dredging, maintenance dredging, satellite navigation, logistics and inter modal, the preservation of ecosystems and the sustainable development of water resources,” explained a statement from the ministry of transport.
As of a result of such investment, the Magdalena river will be able to accommodate convoys of up to 7,200 tons, resulting in lower costs for the mobilization of domestic products.
Additionally, the investment will provide environmental benefits.
“There will be savings in travel times, greater accessibility and economic and social development for the coastal municipalities,” explained the ministry of transport.
The ongoing maintenance will be carried out along 160 miles of the river in order to ensure Colombia’s mid west connects with the Caribbean coast.
Sources
- Presidente Santos firma documento CONPES que da vida al Plan de Navegabilidad del río Magdalena (Transport Ministry)
