Panama Canal to grow in size: 05-09-2007
People travelling through the famous Panama Canal are to see it change over the next few years, as work has begun on its expansion.
The Panama Canal is one of the most famous waterways in the world, playing an important part in transport and economy in Central America. It has also helped Panama gain independence from Colombia by establishing good relations with the US.
Building work for the original canal began in 1880 and, after several problems, was finally completed in 1914 under the condition that it belonged to the US due to their help in the project. After years of negotiations, the Panama Canal was returned to Panama in 1977 by US president Jimmy Carter, making it a strong point of pride amongst Panamanians.
President Carter was present at the ceremony that saw thousands of Panamanians gather by the banks of the canal to watch the release of balloons, marking the beginning of the construction work.
The new Panama Canal is due to be completed by 2014, celebrating the centenary of the completion of the original.
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