Rice plantation. Marisa Mary. All rights reserved.
Argentina is seeking to push ahead with the construction of two aqueducts to irrigate crop plantations in the province of Entre Ríos despite widespread opposition from political parties and environmental organisations. Concerns have been raised about the lack of transparency and environmental risks associated with the projects, which will be fully financed by Chinese banks.
In January this year, the provincial parliament passed a law authorising a loan of US$430 million for the construction of the Mandisoví Chico and La Paz–Estacas aqueducts. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) will provide credit with the construction contract awarded to China State Construction Engineering Corporation.
