President Chinchilla appoints temporary transport minister

President Laura Chinchilla on Monday convened representatives of the National Roadway Council and National Emergency Commission for an update on the status of a route parallel to the San Juan River, at the Nicaraguan border.

Through a press release from Casa Presidencial, Chinchilla also announced the appointment of Luis Llach as temporary minister of public works and transpor (MOPT), replacing Francisco Jiménez who was dismissed last Friday amid allegations of corruption.

Llach was also MOPT’s head during Oscar Arias’ first presidential term from 1986 to 1990.

Lawmakers from the northern region of the country were also at the meeting. Construction of the road will continue despite criticisms and complaints about alleged bribes to officials from companies that participated in the project.

Communications Minister Francisco Chacón said the project would continue, along with an investigation into the case. “New control mechanisms are being considered for funds that the National Emergency Commission is providing for the project,” he said.