CABEI approves $113.9 million in financing for the expansion of the Surf City highway in El Salvador

Tegucigalpa, September 24, 2024.- With the firm purpose of promoting strategic investments aimed at improving people's quality of life, facilitating access to essential services, and fostering the growth of productive sectors, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) approved financing of $113.9 million to the Republic of El Salvador for the Surf City Program - Phase 1, which will improve road and tourism infrastructure on the Pacific coast, incorporating measures to adapt to climate change.

This program will widen the second section of highway CA02 to four lanes and improve 8.67 kilometers of road infrastructure, and pedestrian and bicycle networks in the districts of La Libertad and Tamanique. In addition, the Pacific Corridor Interchange will be implemented in the district of Acajutla and municipality of Sonsonante Oeste. This engineering work will improve the existing road at the intersection located between the Litoral CA02W highway and the Acajutla CA12S highway (Kilo5), including improved drainage systems and natural barriers to protect against flooding and extreme weather events.

The execution of these road projects will reduce traffic congestion and transport times for more than 2,621 vehicles that travel these roads daily, thereby improving the experience of domestic and foreign tourists visiting this important Salvadoran tourist destination. This initiative will also strengthen regional integration by facilitating access to the Acajutla seaport and the borders of El Salvador and Guatemala, such as La Hachadura and San Cristóbal.

In addition, and for the benefit of 10,000 people, a wastewater treatment plant will be installed in El Palmarcito - El Sunzal, district of Tamanique, municipality of La Libertad Costa, integrating more energy-efficient water treatment technologies with a smaller carbon footprint, allowing the reuse and recycling of water to reduce the demand for water resources. This investment is key to avoiding pollution hotspots and contributing to disease control and protection of beaches and biodiversity in this area.

Through the implementation of innovative programs that promote social and tourism infrastructure, CABEI reaffirms its commitment to continue working with dedication to improve the quality of life for all. We firmly believe that each project is an opportunity to generate development with tangible results, creating a legacy of progress and well-being.