The Agriculture and Irrigation Ministry and Chairman of the Development Committee installed in Islay province, Juan Manuel Benites, made a call to the residents to re-engage in conversations with the Executive Power.
Benites said the 60-day pause in the development of the Tia Maria mining project, as was announced by Southern Copper Corporation last Friday, must be taken advantage of by addressing residents.
"We have to explain the population about our offer in terms of development [for the area], there is multisectoral work […] which could not be continued because of the protests,” the head of the Agriculture Ministry told.
The Minister reminded “dialogue” is the best tool for clearing up the population’s doubts and worries with regard to the mining project.
In the next days, his portfolio will launch a call for the Paltiture dam tender process, which will be constructed in the aforementioned province. It is intended to streamline the Tambo's Valley irrigation system. In the next 3 to 4 months the first foundation stone could be laid, the Minister said.
This construction will require an investment worth S/.200 million (about US$63 million). Once concluded, it will allow storing 90 million cubic meters of water aimed at local agriculture.
"It is a long-awaited work, and this government is moving it forward," he stated.
(END) FHG/RGR