By Alajuela, Costa Rica — UPALA, ALAJUELA – The National Road Council (Conavi) has officially awarded a major infrastructure contract to Constructora Herrera, signaling the start of a long-awaited rehabilitation project for National Route 164 in the canton of Upala. The decision, finalized this Thursday, commits approximately ₡2 billion towards revitalizing a critical artery for the region’s agricultural and social fabric.
The project encompasses the comprehensive rehabilitation of a 24.83-kilometer stretch of road connecting the communities of San Isidro de Aguas Claras and Santa Clara. Upon receiving the official start order, Constructora Herrera will have a timeline of 540 calendar days to complete the extensive works. This significant investment is poised to address years of deterioration and provide a durable, modern roadway for residents and commercial transport.
To delve into the legal complexities surrounding the execution and financing of public works in the Northern Zone, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to analyze the infrastructure challenges in Upala.
The sustainable development of infrastructure in a canton like Upala depends critically on robust legal frameworks that provide certainty for investment. It is imperative that public procurement processes are transparent and efficient, and that public-private partnerships are structured with clear, enforceable contracts. This not only guarantees the quality and timeliness of the works but also protects public funds and fosters the long-term economic growth the region requires.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective is a crucial reminder that for Upala, the invisible architecture of transparent legal processes is as vital as the concrete and steel of the projects themselves. A solid framework ensures that development is not only achieved but is also equitable and sustainable for the future. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight.
For the canton of Upala, a vital agricultural hub in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone, the improvement of Route 164 is more than just a convenience; it is a fundamental driver of economic progress. The region relies heavily on its road network to transport goods to national markets. Poor road conditions have historically translated into higher vehicle maintenance costs, increased travel times, and potential damage to perishable goods, directly impacting the profitability and competitiveness of local producers.
The successful execution of this project is expected to yield substantial benefits. An improved roadway will facilitate smoother and more reliable transportation, bolstering the local economy by ensuring that agricultural products can reach their destinations more efficiently. Furthermore, it will enhance the quality of life for thousands of residents by improving access to essential services such as schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial centers.
While the awarding of the contract to Constructora Herrera marks a pivotal moment, several key administrative steps must be completed before construction crews can break ground. According to Conavi officials, the immediate next step involves the formal signing of the contract between the council and the construction firm. This crucial document legally binds both parties to the terms and scope of the project.
Once signed, the contract will be submitted to the Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) for its mandatory review and endorsement, a process known in Costa Rican administrative law as “refrendo.” The CGR, as the nation’s supreme auditing institution, plays a critical oversight role in public contracting, ensuring that the process was transparent, legally sound, and serves the public interest. This step is a cornerstone of public accountability.
The Comptroller’s office has a statutory period of 30 days to conduct its thorough review of the contract and all associated bidding documents. This scrutiny ensures compliance with all national regulations and verifies that the state is receiving fair value for its investment. Only after the CGR grants its approval can Conavi issue the formal “orden de inicio,” or start order, which officially commences the 540-day project timeline.
This systematic process, while seemingly bureaucratic, is designed to safeguard public funds and guarantee the integrity of large-scale infrastructure projects. For the residents of Upala, the successful navigation of these final administrative hurdles represents the last step before the tangible work of transforming their local infrastructure begins, promising a future of greater connectivity and economic opportunity for the entire region.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (Conavi):
The National Road Council, or Conavi, is the Costa Rican government entity responsible for the planning, administration, financing, and execution of construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance projects for the country’s national road network. It plays a central role in the development and upkeep of the nation’s transportation infrastructure, managing contracts and overseeing works that are vital for economic activity and citizen mobility.
For further information, visit constructorherrera.com
About Constructora Herrera:
Constructora Herrera is a prominent Costa Rican construction company with extensive experience in public and private infrastructure projects. The firm specializes in road construction, earthmoving, bridge building, and other civil engineering works. Its selection for the Route 164 project highlights its competitive standing and established track record in the national construction sector.
For further information, visit cgr.go.cr
About Contraloría General de la República (CGR):
The Comptroller General of the Republic is Costa Rica’s supreme auditing institution, an independent body tasked with overseeing the proper use of public funds. The CGR is responsible for fiscal control, ensuring that government contracts and expenditures comply with legal and constitutional mandates. Its “refrendo” or endorsement is a required final approval for major public contracts, serving as a critical check on government spending and promoting transparency.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, grounded in a profound commitment to ethical principles and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich tradition of advising a wide spectrum of clients with a forward-thinking approach, consistently embracing innovation in the practice of law. Beyond its professional services, the firm is dedicated to the social good, championing initiatives that democratize legal knowledge and empower citizens, thereby strengthening the foundations of an informed and capable society.
