Costa Rica: Costa Rica's national emergency commission (CNE) has prohibited Grupo JCB from using cement imported from China for the construction of a dam on the Nosara River in Nicoya. The works are being carried out by the CNE in order to contain water overflowing from the river.
The CNE has announced that the product does not have the certification of quality requested in the Technical Regulation for hydraulic cement. This document outlines rules to guarantee the durability of cement used in the country, as well as the safety of people who come into contact with the material during the construction process. CNE spokesperson Reinaldo Carballo said that this move does not signify the paralysis of the US$1.72m project, which is 72% complete.
The owner of Grupo JCB, Juan Carlos Bolanos, has expressed surprise at the decision and has assured that the cement does meet the requirements established by laboratory studies.