Panama awards contract to Degrémont for water infrastructure maintenance

Panama Ministry of Health (MINSA) has awarded a €65m contract to water treatment company Degrémont, for operation and maintenance of wastewater collection systems, pumping stations and additional networks in Panama City.

Under the four-year conract, Degrémont will be responsible for the system of pipes in the capital of Panama. The pipe network, which is presently 162km, will be extended to 248km in 2016.

Degrémont, a subsidiary of Suez Environnement, will also supply necessary equipment for the system and carry out repair works for certain infrastructure.

Suez Environnement International unit deputy CEO Marie-Ange Debon said: "With this new contract, the Ministry of Health has recognised Degrémont’s expertise in operating sanitation systems, developed through 25 years of experience and 247 facilities in operation throughout the world.

"We are proud to be able to continue to support the country in its development initiatives and its environmental conservation efforts."

Panama has 3.6 million inhabitants and a canal that is currently being expanded.

Degrémont has been operating in Panama since 2009, and has designed and built the country’s one-million-PE wastewater plant.

The company also operates the plant, which is situated downstream of the sanitation system covered by the new contract.

As one of the wastewater plants in Central America, the plant contributes to the regeneration of the bay area and restores water quality, thereby making it suitable for swimming conditions.

Suez Environnement’s portfolio includes facilities and flagship projects in Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. The contract reaffirms its position in the residual water market of Latin America, the company claimed.

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Image: Panama City at night. Photo: courtesy of Matthew Straubmuller / Wikipedia.