Hotel owners behind new water plant in Jaco

Hotel and resort owners in Garabito where the popular tourist town of Jaco is located are awaiting approval of a $3 million trust that will build an aqueduct to cope with the water shortages that are affecting their businesses.

The goal is to expand the present capacity of the AYA system and drill new wells for more water. It includes new collecting tanks and new distribution networks.

Investors expect to install at least 2,500 meters in the next three years and another 2,000 later.

Once everything is in place, the aqueduct will be transferred to the Costa Rican Institute of Water Supply and Sewerage (AyA) since the idea is to benefit everyone in the community, according Francisco Fonseca, chairman of the Commission for Improvements Aqueduct Jacó.

He added that Banco Nacional is responsible for the administration of the trust.

"We have coordinated with the Aqueducts and Sewerage Authority (AyA), institution, which will be responsible for inspecting the project so it is the best quality," he added.

Fonseca said that another function of the bank will ensure that AyA and employers comply with the project's development.

The vice president of Tourism Development Marco Petersen stressed that he is required to provide tourism projects for water, but AyA is not able to provide a prompt solution.

"The AyA proposed solution of installing 4,000 water within 5 years or more is a long time, because we need a solution right now," he said.

Juan Carlos Rodó, manager of the Best Western hotel Jacó Beach and secretary of the Chamber of Commerce of Central Pacific, said that adoption of the trust is urgent, it is important for the development of future projects.

"If the trust is not approved, AyA will have to assume the task of carrying out the project, but that will be on a longer term," he said.

The Municiplitay does not give plans for building permits to more than 10 rooms.

"We expect to see that happen to this trust. The developers are very excited to start the project, but if this trust is not approved it would be a strong blow to the community, "said Marvin Elizondo mayor.