BRIEFS. interior

Indigenous groups split over hydro plants

Indigenous groups in the province of Bocas del Toro are divided over the two hydroelectric plant projects currently under construction in the region. AES Changuinola is building one in the Charco la Pava community, and Pública Medellín is installing the other in Bonyik, Téribe.

During the last few months, the two indigenous groups, who live in communities near the developments, have taken to blocking streets and forcing the companies to suspend work on the plants while they argue over the pros and cons of the projects.

Francisco Santos, representative of the opposition group, said that AES Changuinola has violated environmental standards and continues to install infrastructure outside the areas approved by the environmental impact assessment. According to Santos, the company use of explosives in Charco la Pava has destroyed archaeological sites.

Indigenous leader Tito Santana of the Teribe region, spokesperson for the group in favor of the hydroelectric plant, said the project has already generated many jobs for his people.