Some projects keep showing up on countries’ agendas throughout the centuries. They start as being an almost impossible dream, but as technologies and techniques improve over the years, these projects may get to see the light if they are provided with the right support, funding and favourable circumstances. 

One of the projects that fit this profile is the Inter-oceanic Grand Canal of Nicaragua;  a 280-Kilometre canal proposed to link the Atlantic and the Pacific ocean. The idea of the project, originally proposed four centuries ago, has been raised several times since that date by different visionaries, including one time in the mid-1800’s when the United States considered the project, but later opted to support the construction of the Panama canal.

Today, the Nicaraguan government is seriously considering  building the canal, which will require 12 years of construction.

However, some still feel that even today the project is not realistic for several reasons. There is the long construction period, for a start, in addition to the heavy investment which some put at $25 billion and the poor economic conditions of Nicaragua, considered one of the poorest countries in the American continent. 

There are also those who object to the canal as they feel worried about the adverse effects it will have on the environment and the locals at the construction site. They question the feasibility of the project and the proposed time frame. Some sceptics are concerned whether the project is really meant for the country’s benefit or is simply  a matter of national pride and a way of building a legacy. 

Proponents of the canal see things from a different perspective. This project gives the Nicaraguans the chance to build their ailing economy, in their opinion. During the construction stage, the project is expected to employ tens of thousands and additionally provide indirect employment opportunities for hundreds of thousands.  Once completed, the economy is expected to benefit greatly from the earnings of operating the canal which will provide a steady source of revenue for the country.

Panama, in turn, is forging ahead with plans of its own to enlarge the Panama canal.  The $5 billion project will increase its capacity, in order to handle Post-Panamax ships  (ships that were built to post Panama canal specifications and beyond the size that can pass through the water canal). 

Enthusiasts of the Nicaragua canal project are not taken aback or concerned over the Panama canal expansion project.  They feel that given the growth in shipping volume across the Pacific and Atlantic, both canals will be needed and will supplement each other.