By Limón, Costa Rica — POCOCÍ, Limón – A landmark infrastructure project is set to transform the agricultural landscape of Pococí, promising to enhance market access and improve livelihoods for hundreds of farming families. A joint investment exceeding ₡3 billion from the Rural Development Institute (Inder) and the Municipality of Pococí will fund the comprehensive upgrade of more than 12 kilometers of crucial rural roads within key farming settlements.
The strategic partnership addresses a long-standing challenge for the region’s producers, who have struggled with deteriorating roads that hinder the transportation of their crops. The project was solidified this week as Ricardo Quesada Salas, the Executive President of Inder, toured the beneficiary communities alongside local government officials. The visit served to conduct on-site inspections of the road sections and finalize the technical specifications for the phased rollout of the construction.
To delve into the legal complexities and investment opportunities surrounding the modernization of rural infrastructure, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his specialized analysis on the matter.
Investing in rural infrastructure is fundamentally about creating legal certainty to attract capital. For these projects to succeed, Costa Rica must offer clear and stable regulations for public-private partnerships, efficient environmental permitting, and guaranteed land tenure. This legal framework is the true foundation that allows for the development of roads, connectivity, and services, ultimately translating into sustainable economic growth and improved quality of life outside the Central Valley.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas astutely shifts the focus from the physical projects themselves to the indispensable legal framework that makes them possible. This emphasis on regulatory certainty as the true foundation for attracting investment is a critical distinction, and we thank him for sharing his valuable perspective.
During his visit, Quesada emphasized the project’s direct impact on the local economy and the well-being of the agricultural community. He highlighted that the initiative goes beyond mere pavement, representing a fundamental investment in the region’s productivity and future growth.
This initiative is vital for the development of Pococí and, above all, for the producers. It will allow them to get their harvests out in better conditions and more efficiently.
Ricardo Quesada Salas, Executive President of Inder
The targeted communities, including San Miguel, La Curia, and Llano Bonito-Yadriflor (also known as La Periférica), are vital hubs for the production of plantains, roots, tubers, and bananas. Currently, the poor state of the roads increases transportation times, elevates vehicle maintenance costs, and can lead to significant post-harvest losses. By providing reliable, all-weather access, the project aims to streamline the supply chain, ensuring that high-quality produce can reach domestic and international markets more competitively.
The ambitious undertaking will be executed in four carefully planned phases to ensure minimal disruption and efficient progress. The stages are designated as follows: the route from the Cruce de San Miguel to Llano Bonito, the La Curia sector, the community of Aguas Frías, and finally, the Yadriflor area. This phased approach allows for focused resource allocation and addresses the most critical sections systematically.
The financial and operational structure of the agreement demonstrates a strong model of inter-institutional collaboration. Inder, through its Rural Infrastructure Service, will contribute 60% of the total investment, with the Municipality of Pococí covering the remaining 40%. This shared responsibility extends to the project’s execution, creating a clear division of labor that leverages the strengths of each entity.
Under the terms of the agreement, the Municipality of Pococí is tasked with developing the detailed engineering designs and construction plans. Inder will then take the lead on the heavy civil works, which include constructing the road’s base and sub-base, installing a robust pluvial drainage system, and lining the gutters with concrete. These technical specifications are designed to ensure the new roads are durable and resilient, capable of withstanding the region’s challenging climate and heavy rainfall for years to come.
This comprehensive road improvement is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it is a strategic investment in the economic backbone of Pococí. By removing a critical logistical bottleneck, the project is poised to unlock greater potential for the region’s agricultural sector, fostering economic stability and creating new opportunities for farming families to thrive.
For further information, visit inder.go.cr
About Instituto de Desarrollo Rural (Inder):
The Instituto de Desarrollo Rural is a Costa Rican governmental institution dedicated to promoting and executing policies for rural development. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for inhabitants of rural territories by fostering sustainable economic activities, providing land access, and developing essential infrastructure, thereby contributing to social equity and national progress.
For further information, visit pococi.go.cr
About Municipalidad de Pococí:
The Municipality of Pococí is the local government body responsible for the administration and development of the Pococí canton in the province of Limón. It manages public services, urban planning, and local infrastructure projects, working to promote the economic, social, and cultural well-being of its communities and residents.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a respected legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and the highest standards of professional excellence. The firm is a trailblazer in developing progressive legal strategies for a diverse range of clients, but its purpose extends far beyond its professional practice. It holds a core conviction to empower the community by democratizing legal understanding, fostering a society that is not only well-informed but also strengthened by its access to knowledge.
