Dam Construction Reactivated in El Chaparral

The dam construction project in the north of San Miguel, El Salvador, could soon see the light soon, after delays lasting more than a year.

The effects of hurricane Agatha and some restrictions in the contract between the Italian construction company Astaldi and the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of Rio Lempa are some of the reasons behind the delays in works.

Luis Mendez, head of the SIGET said in an article in laprensagrafica.com: " I do know they are talking to the builder (Astaldi) and I think the project is moving ahead. In the past, Nicholas Salume, former president of CEL explained that they were going to hire an expert to determine the damage caused by delays in the work and restrictions of the contract. "

Source: laprensagrafica.com

More on this topic

Two Additional Years to Redesign El Chaparral

June 2011

The Salvadoran regulator has granted a period of two years for the submission of a redesign of the project, currently on hold.

Hurrican Agatha caused the river to overflow, flooding the construction site at the place where they were preparing to build a concrete structure.

Works on the Central Hydroelectric plant begin in El Salvador

September 2008

President Elias Antonio Saca will place the first stone for the El Chaparral central hydroelectric plant that will mark the formal start of construction.

The initial investment, estimated to be $163 million, will be financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Intergration, as was recently confirmed by the president of the Rio Lempa Hydroelectric Executive Commission (CEL), Nicolas Salume.

Chaparral Dam Construction Delayed

February 2011

Due to project delays Salvadoran regulators are examining the possibility to extend the original deadline for the opening of the hydro power plant.

Hydroelectric Executive Commission of Río Lempa (CEL), the concessionaire of the project, said the dam would begin production January 2015 and not January 2014 as originally planned.

El Salvador: CEL and Astaldi Hold Talks Before Arbitration

June 2011

The decision of which entity will bear the costs of delays in construction of El Chaparral is being discussed between the parties.

The eight-month delay in the construction of the dam, built by the Italian company Astaldi, has generated additional costs that have not yet been estimated nor has it been determined which of the parties involved will pay them.