Peru's Controversial Amazon Highway Faces Indigenous Opposition

The longest bridge in Peru, connecting Iquitos to the El Estrecho district, has sparked fierce opposition from Indigenous tribes. They fear the project will lead to land grabbing, deforestation, and drug trafficking. Despite halted construction for government study, the Ministry of Transportation supports the project's economic and security benefits.

The longest bridge ever built in Peru now spans the Nanay River, aiming to connect Iquitos to the El Estrecho district. This infrastructure, part of a federal highway project, faces strong opposition from Indigenous tribes.

'The highway will kill us,' says Everest Ochoa, of the Maijuna Indigenous group. Communities along the route haven't been consulted, sparking protests against potential land grabbing, deforestation, and drug trafficking.

Officials say the project enhances local economies and security but have paused construction for further study. Activists highlight the project's impact on protected forests and local Indigenous lands.