He calls for respect for the good name of the workers and the Panama Canal, after allegations of negligence.
The Panama Canal denied the allegations of the Federation of Associations of Professionals of Panama (Fedap), which denounced poor management by the current ACP administration.
According to the Canal, the interoceanic route is managed reliably, safely and efficiently, thanks to the capacity of its workforce, the use of updated equipment and the appropriate allocation of resources.
He also stressed that his maintenance culture has allowed the waterway to operate for 109 years.
In this sense, he stressed that in the last five years alone, $2 billion has been invested in this area, including the budget of fiscal year 2024, in which $534 million has been allocated to attend from the centenary panamax locks, to the neopanamax, as well as the floating equipment.
“The Panama Canal is technically managed and managed. On the basis of this, the situation of water shortages has been addressed with high standards and diligently, taking into account a series of actions that have allowed it to continue to deliver historical contributions to the National Treasury,” the statement says.
He also pointed out that, on the risks of this situation, he carried out the corresponding studies and has indicated the way forward for the country to have a structural solution for water in Panama.
“We categorically reject any attempt to discredit the important work done by this group of professionals. We request that his good name be respected, as well as that of the Panama Canal,” the statement added.
For his part, Professor Miguel Antonio Bernal, president of Fedap, stressed that the communiqué was intended to give a warning voice in the face of the situations that arise.
“We make that call to the population because the matter is more serious than what the canal authorities paint us,” he said.
According to the federation, one of the most worrying points points to the increase in operational accidents and poor maintenance. They also point out that the workplace is going through its worst crisis and there is alarming neglect of the environment.
This article has been translated after first appearing in Pan America