There are numerous groups who are opposed to the idea of a dam on the Indio River, including around 2,000 people who would be relocated when their villages flood, as well as local farmers.

Supporters point out that the dam is the most “complete” option, and will provide water for many local communities, in addition to supporting global trade through Panama. Meanwhile, the US Army Corps of Engineers and the Panama Canal Authority have reported conservation measures alone cannot meet the canal’s growing water demands due to increasing threats of drought.

Should the project go ahead, the new reservoir would enable the canal to facilitate up to 15 more ship crossings each day. Project estimates put the cost at $900 million to $1.6 billion (£725m–£1.3bn) and the construction timeline at five years. Panama's President Jose Mulino said the approval process and other governmental debates could be completed this year, so watch this space...

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