A high level commissioned named by Peru’s Executive to discuss the Majes-Siguas II irrigation project has met with authorities and social organizations in Cuzco, state news agency Andina reported.
The commission and the Cuzco representatives agreed to a time line for talks to address the demands of residents who have been protesting the project, according to Production Minister Jorge Villasante.
“We have finished the meeting for today and we have established a work agenda and schedule that will be continued tomorrow in Lima in a meeting that should include the head of national water authority ANA with technicians from the Cuzco regional government,” Villasante said Monday.
Earlier this month, residents in Espinar province demonstrated against the multi-million dollar project, which they believe threatens their access to water from the Apurimac River. At least one person was killed in those protests and numerous other injured.
Last week, demonstrations were also held in Cuzco city. As a result, numerous services were cancelled, including the train to Machu Picchu, and the city’s airport was temporariliy shut down on Friday. Flights between Cuzco and Lima resumed the next day.
Villasante said he does not expect further protests, adding that “everything is calm in Espinar, there are no demonstrations or road blockages. Nothing, absolutely nothing.”
