Balboa Ave trees to be removed for Cinta Costera construction

PANAMA. Many have complained about the disproportionate concrete-to-greenery ratio it seems the Cinta Costera will have, a ratio that is rising even before the completion of the project.

Panama will soon lose some of the little greenery that adorns it, as 97 trees are removed from Avenida Balboa, Albrook and Bella Vista.

The Beautification and Environment department of the Mayor’s Office has authorized the removal of 29 trees and 46 palm trees along the Cinta Costera, from the area going from Balboa Park to the seafood market.

After inspecting the area where the Cinta Costera is being constructed, the department corroborated initial claims that these trees need to be removed, as they affect the work being done by the Odebrecht company.

The department also authorized removing 17 trees of different species, two real palm trees, and a Corotu tree, in Albrook, all of which showed poor sanitary health, and affected the construction of the new Russian embassy in the area.

Two more trees will be removed in Bella Vista, for the construction of a synthetic multi-use court in the Harry Strunz Park, a request made by a Mr. Oriel Aparicio Vargas.

The construction companies that requested the trees removals had to commit to plant the same quantity in nearby areas, to compensate the damage caused to the environment. Whether they have a deadline for the replantation is unknown.

Panama City’s mayor’s office stated that it is its policy to protect the capital city’s flora, and that it only grants permission to cut trees when they present a danger to people for their poor sanitary health, or when their removal is solicited for construction reasons.