The finances used to maintain roads throughout Costa Rica come from the tax paid by drivers when they pay for the right to circulate. The Ministry of Finance had a delay in the collection of this tax this year.
This means that the ₡70,000 million that Conavi should have in its budget is not yet there. Funds from last year have had to be used to maintain roads this year. Additionally, two extraordinary budgets were created, the second of which is being considered now.
If Congress and the Legislative Assembly do not approve the extra funds, all road work will be done for the year. This would be especially troublesome in emergency situations such as a landslide that stops all traffic on a specific road.
As of Tuesday, all national route maintenance work has been suspended pending the approval of the extraordinary budget of ₡30,000. The Legislative Branch will see the issue next week. Until then, there will be no asphalting, cleaning, grass cutting or emergency care.
