Costa Rica unveils irrigation project

Costa Rica's President Carlos Alvarado (pictured) and agriculture minister Renato Alvarado signed a decree on Wednesday to rebuild and upgrade irrigation infrastructure in Osa municipality, Puntarenas province.

The decree specifically provides for the reactivation of the canals along the Térraba district, which were built decades ago when the local subsidiary of the United Fruit Company owned plantations in the area, the national government said in a release.

Osa's municipal authorities will be in charge of the works and subsequent maintenance. Financing comes from the special fund for banana producing activity (FEPI).

The national service of underground water, irrigation and drainage (Senara) will carry out the relevant technical studies and provide technical support to local authorities.

Meanwhile, a commission comprised of the national emergency commission (CNE) and other entities will determine which works will be funded by the FEPI fund, which is managed by national banana industry nonprofit Corbana.

The project will boost banana production and help with flood risk prevention. The area is highly productive for agricultural activity, but also prone to floods.