The Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Roberto Luque, visited several infrastructure projects in Manabí province as part of the government’s efforts to improve public services and facilities. During his visit, Luque took part in a ceremony marking the start of construction for the third phase of the Chone Hydrosanitary System. This project has an investment of $24 million and includes upgrading the treatment plant, rebuilding the distribution network, and installing a new high-capacity water line to provide more reliable potable water to residents.
At the event, Luque stated: “These works are a reflection of the public policies promoted by President Daniel Noboa. While we lay the first stone for a $24 million project, we also deliver 855 property titles to the most vulnerable families in the province.”
Luque emphasized that providing quality drinking water is a priority for President Noboa because it represents health, dignity, and well-being for families. He added that this initiative not only involves upgrading the treatment plant but also completely rebuilding the distribution network to improve living conditions in the community.
The minister also inspected progress on other projects in Manabí. In Calceta, he reviewed reconstruction work at the municipal market of Bolívar canton. The market is being rebuilt through an agreement with local authorities and has a budget of $5.2 million. It will include 347 commercial spaces, sanitary facilities, and parking areas to serve about 41,000 residents. The physical progress stands at 12.5%.
In Portoviejo canton, Luque checked on construction at Plaza Memorial San Gregorio—a project funded with $8.7 million transferred from MIT to local government authorities. The plaza will have three levels: underground parking and service areas; ground floor artisan shops and exhibition spaces; and upper-level commercial spaces, administrative offices, and a modern food technology area. Construction is currently 11% complete.
At a press conference during his visit, Luque confirmed that approximately $23 million in additional funding has been allocated for two major projects: $8.2 million for reconstructing Jipijapa’s central market and $14.6 million for building a potable water plant benefiting Sucre, San Vicente, and Tosagua.
Before concluding his agenda in Manabí province, Luque met with participants from “Jóvenes en Acción,” discussing their experiences within MIT programs that benefit over 12,000 young people locally.
Later in the day, he planned to visit ongoing construction at Quimís Bridge—a strategic infrastructure project with an investment of $7.2 million featuring two 30-meter structures with improved road access and bike lanes. This bridge is currently 42% complete.
According to officials involved in these initiatives, these actions demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure and improving quality of life across Manabí province.
