RSS3213 Colombia's National Planning Department (DNP) has rejected a series of road projects worth US$1.52 billion in 2009. Meanwhile, the Colombian institute for concessions, 1314 INCO, has delayed the tenders for the construction of the third stretch of the Ruta del Sol highway and the first section of the Autopistas de las Americas highway for the third time. The DNP has said that there are currently no formal requests for infrastructure projects in the country. A number of road projects were not granted in 2009 because they did not meet the necessary criteria nor could public resources be justified for certain schemes. Infrastructure projects must be deemed a priority for Colombia or they must come under the National Development Plan, before resources can be awarded. Studies are being undertaken by the Colombian authorities and other schemes could emerge. The DNP has been working with Proexport, a state-run entity which promotes foreign investment in Colombia, to attract foreign investors for infrastructure schemes. Inco's delaying move followed warnings that companies involved in the Ruta del Sol and Autopistas de las Americas highways have to provide credit details. The tender does not state that the loans must be used for these two road projects. 3222 CSS Constructores, 3215 Constructora Colpatria, 3214 Odinsa, 1305 Odebrecht, 1511 OAS, 980 OHL and 2482 SNC Lavalin number amongst those interested in the projects. Some of the participants have expressed concern although the Colombian officials say that there will be no further delays.
