A. M. 
The Legislative Assembly approved with 56 votes the amendment to the Budget Law 2024, incorporating US$5,832,468 for the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y de Transporte (MOPT). These funds will finance the construction of the Apopa bypass, as part of the “El Salvador Resilient Transportation and Infrastructure Project”. The money comes from an agreement with the Banco Internacional de Reconstrucción y Fomento (BIRF).
During the 18th plenary session, legislators detailed the distribution of these resources. The Transportation Infrastructure and Resilience Program will receive US$5,345,968 to finance activities related to the Voluntary Resettlement Plan. In addition, US$486,500 will be allocated to the Institutional Strengthening and Executing Unit Program.
The loan agreement with the IBRD, authorized by the Legislative Assembly on january 9, 2024, will facilitate cargo transportation in the northern part of the country. The project includes the construction of the Apopa bypass, which will strengthen road connectivity in the districts of Ciudad Delgado, Tonacatepeque, and Apopa, all in the department of San Salvador.
The Apopa bypass will comprise a 4.8 km road with four lanes, intersections with the existing road network, and improvements to underpasses and overpasses. In addition, the work will have a social and environmental focus, including bus stops, lighting, and signage for the benefit of the local population.
The MOPT will also support the updating of design projects for future roads, guaranteeing supervision, auditing, and internal controls in the execution of the projects. The Institutional Strengthening Program will contribute to capacity building in road safety and resilient infrastructure planning.
In the same session, 59 deputies approved the tax exoneration of a donation from the organization “El Salvador Foundation” of Houston, Texas. The donation includes clothes, shoes, household appliances, school supplies and other goods that will benefit communities in San Miguel, Usulután, and the Instituto Salvadoreño de Rehabilitación Integral (ISRI).
The Vice Ministry of Diaspora and Human Mobility will be responsible for coordinating the delivery of the donation. The exonerated entity must submit a report to the Dirección General de Aduanas on the delivery of the goods, or face the payment of taxes and fines within three months.
