Voters overwhelmingly approved the largest modernization plan of the Panama Canal on Sunday, backing a multi-billion dollar expansion that will allow the world's largest ships to squeeze through the shortcut between the seas, reports Associated Press according to RZD-Partner.
More than 78 percent of Panamanians voted in favor of the expansion with 94 percent of polling stations counted by the country's electoral tribunal. Only about 22 percent opposed the plan. Almost 57 percent of the country's more than 2.1 million voters did not turn out.
Panama Canal is the shortest shipping way between Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It provides major contributions into Panama budget. The plan implies construction of the third lock system enabling large-capacity vessels to pass the canal. Opponents warn about high value of the project industry its possible harm to environment. Canal modernization is to cost $5.25 billion. Opponents say this project prevents the government from solving such important problems as poverty in the country.