The Minister of Infrastructure and Public Services of Buenos Aires, Gabriel Katopodis, harshly criticized the Javier Milei administration for halting work on a hydraulic project he considers 'a policy of state.' Katopodis explained that the Master Plan for the Salado River Basin, which has been jointly implemented by the National Government and the Province of Buenos Aires since 1997, operated without interruption until December 2023. However, the official pointed to a turning point: 'From that moment on, the Nation paralyzed the works corresponding to stage 2 of section 4, as happened with 2,308 public works throughout the country,' according to his words. Katopodis emphasized the consequences of this decision: 'The interruption of that phase, which had a high degree of progress and with investment secured (Water Fund that they do not execute), blocked the management to obtain international financing for section 5, which will be in charge of the Province.' Likewise, the provincial Infrastructure head highlighted that the work stoppage 'has been going on for almost two years,' which prevented the completion of a key stage: 'If the previous execution rate had been maintained, the work on section 4 could have been completed during 2024.' Finally, the Buenos Aires minister reaffirmed the strategic importance of public works: 'We have said and we maintain it: investment in infrastructure is essential for Argentina to grow by producing more and with a better quality of life for its citizens.' The interruption of works by the National Government in the Master Plan for the Salado River Basin has generated strong criticism from the Province of Buenos Aires, in the context of recent floods. 'In situations like this, the true value of public works and the joint work of different state areas is demonstrated,' Katopodis concluded.
