Colombia road project targets may not be met

The ambitious road development programme set out by the Colombian Government may not meet all of its targets. The National Development Plan of 2014-2018 has set out plans for the completion of key road and highway connections, including several bridge and tunnel links. However, Colombia's National Infrastructure Agency (ANI) has so far attained 50% of the targets set out in its road development programme for the period. Meanwhile Colombia’s National Road Institute (2812 Invias) has achieved 75% of its road development plans. Invias has been able to carry out 75% of the road paving projects it had planned across Colombia, while it has also met its targets with regard to road maintenance works. But part of the problem with regard to delays in meeting targets comes from the legal scandals now surrounding the Brazilian contractor 1305 Odebrecht. The firm has become mired in legal problems following allegations over its business practices. The company has been carrying out some of the work for the Ruta del Sol II and III highway projects for example.