President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski on Monday assured the new Cusco-based Chinchero International Airport project will go forward, as he reiterated the venture's contract will save the Peruvian State US$590 million.
As is known, the agreement will be inked by the Peruvian government and concessionaire Kuntur Wasi.
Mr. Kuczynski's official statement came after the signing of a key contract addendum was suspended at the request of Congress for being deemed detrimental to the State.
As a result, the President's visit for the Airport's first-stone laying ceremony —previously slated for Tuesday— has also been postponed.
"A Congress Commission has said the Transport Minister [Martin Vizcarra] must not sign this document, so we have been forced to put off the visit," the statesman explained.
"But I guarantee all of you in Chinchero in Cusco that I will be there in a few days, and we will bring this project forward," he affirmed.
The Head of State explained the addendum in question will save the State US$590 million worth of credit interests "which could be used for sanitation, roads and housing works in Cusco."
Likewise, he reaffirmed the venture remains a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in which the public component (earthworks) is "provided by the State, whereas the private component takes place through a bid, already successfully completed."
In addition, he noted the project "bears the approval of relevant authorities, including the Comptroller General's Office."
The top official thus expressed his support for the "decades-awaited" venture and guaranteed his government "will execute it no matter what."
Remarks were made during a televised address to the nation.
(END) NDP/SMA/ASH/DHT/MVB
Published: 1/30/2017