The construction of the Paltiture dam, aimed at benefiting agro producers from Arequipa and Moquegua, will start in the second half of this year, announced Peru’s Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Juan Manuel Benites.
He told Andina news agency that experts from the Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry (Minagri) are concluding the feasibility studies and technical file of the project.
“We are examining whether we use a single package procedure, as a tender, or two distinct ones; however the work will be taken up by the second half of this year anyway,” Benites pointed out.
The irrigation work’s budget totals S/.120 million (about US$40.2 million), which will be transferred to Mi Riego fund as a measure to mitigate the existing water resources conflict between Arequipa and Moquegua.
The construction of this dam will ensure the viability of mining projects in the area and those requiring water for agriculture needs.
“This way, we can exhort the population to remain calm, since the water resource is protected, and this could lead to a better position to address other issues,” he added.
(END) LIT/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/14/2015