A huge £275m motorway is set to be built directly through the Amazon which will connect two cities.
Peru’s Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC) has joined forces with Japan for the construction of the project that will link Amazonas and Loreto.
The mega project, to be built and paved by Japan, is a significant boost to facilitate access to needed sectors such as health, education and transportation in the area. Known as Axis Road No. 4, it will be a whopping 213 kilometres (123 miles) long and will be essential to improve infrastructure and quality of life in the Peruvian jungle.
So what does it mean for the future of the Peruvian Amazon?
The project to build a new highway in Peru has an eye-watering investment of 1.3 billion Peruvian soles (£275 million).
Many Amazonian communities currently rely on unpaved and difficult-to-access roads, which increases travel time and can make a journey complicated.
With the new paved road, travel times are expected to be significantly reduced by several hours.
What are the benefits of the new road?
The new road will help restore the local economy by facilitating trade and investment.
Local farmers will also be able to transport their products more efficiently to markets, increasing their income and improving their quality of life.
The major improvement is also expected to attract investment and encourage the development of new businesses and services in the region.
The project will be divided into three main sections;
Section 1: Duran Bridge to Wawico Bridge (62.1 km)
Section 2: Wawico Bridge to Nuevo Siasme and Santa María de Nieva (83.37 km)
Section 3: Nuevo Siasme and Saramiriza (68.85 km)
Up to 102,000 people are set to benefit from improved access to essential services such as health and education, particularly for those in isolated communities.
Construction for the major project is expected to begin next year, with a set date to be confirmed. Rapid progress on the work is expected due to the commitment of the MTC and international backing.
