Two New Projects to Improve the Water Situation in Guanacaste

Approximately 25 years ago, Jorge Manuel Dengo, who recently passed away, had the idea to cover the water exit from the Caribbean and send it to the Pacific since there is a lack of this precious liquid in that area.

This new water way was used to produce energy though three hydro electric plants; Arenal, Corobicí and Magdalena. In this last one was where the Arenal-Tempisque Irrigation project, which is the final phase, has begun.

It has two channels, one in the West and the other on the South. The authorities of the government are working on an initiative to expand the South Canal by 32 KM, which would increase irrigation area by 40,000 hectares.

This was confirmed by the Liberationist Deputy that represents Guanacaste, Luis Fernando Mendoza, who also announced that the President of the Republic, Laura Chinchilla, will announced on Monday the tender for the construction, which may attract national and international companies.

“We expect to accept an offer by the end of the second semester, secure the allocation, and begin construction at the beginning of 2013. The estimated construction completion is set at one year. The plans and studies are done and the land has been mapped and acquired by the state," stated the congressman.

According to the legislator they will obtain the resources from a loan of the Central American Bank of Economical Integration (BCIE ) for the Program for Integrated Water Resources (Progirth) for an amount close to ¢ 29 billion; they will use ¢ 8 billion for the work of South Channel.

The second initiative is to provide more water to Guanacaste, which will be benefit all of the communities in the area. It's projected that the West Channel can be extended for a total investment of ¢ 150 billion.

The work would begin in Rio Piedra in Bagaces and would supply water to the entire lower areas of Guanacaste. According to the deputy Mendoza, this would resolve the issues in Sardinal, Santa Cruz, on the coast and golf courses.

“The preliminary project is ready to begin. We have a completed feasibility study that was carried out by a Spanish company. It also would create a new hydroelectric plant with potential to produce between 10 to 20 megawatts and would provide water for irrigation and human consumption," said the Liberationist.

Mendoza highlighted the “happiness” that the communities show with this initiative; they are promoting the democratization of land and encouraging people to acquire land by parceling projects.

"Now they will have a production with higher levels of certainty; for example, they will grow corn and perhaps it won’t rain and the production will dry. This will make water available to these areas 24 hours a day. Many area's that didn’t have water will now have access to it to produce grass or plant other products. In other words, conditions for agricultural production will greatl

From Costaricanorth.com