news - FMO statement on filling of reservoir Barro Blanco

FMO was informed by its client GENISA that the Government of Panama, through the National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) announced that the reservoir of the Barro Blanco dam will be filled on Tuesday 24 May 2016. ASEP emphasized that the reservoir will be filled temporary between May 24 and August 3 for testing purposes, including the connection to the National Electric System.

ASEP underlines that the hydropower project will not start operations before an agreement is reached with the local communities, in the so-called ‘dialogue table’.  

According to ASEP the filling has been communicated to the leadership of all local communities in the vicinity of the project, which, ASEP emphasizes, is part of the agreement between the High Commission on Barro Blanco, the Technical Commission and the Traditional Authorities, signed in August 2015, which established a road map to address and solve a number of issues related to the Barro Blanco project.

FMO has taken note of the announcement of ASEP and emphasizes the importance of successfully concluding the dialogue between the Panamanian parties.