Ecuador's current government has invested some US$3.45bn in highway construction and modernization projects, covering more than 5,000km of roads, according to President Rafael Correa.

 

The figure is three times more than all of the country's previous governments put together, Correa was reported as saying by state newspaper El Ciudadano.

 

Some US$100mn has been spent on repairing the Spondilus highway on the country's coast, which has spurred more than US$200mn in private investment, according to Correa.

 

Highway reconstruction projects have boosted national tourism by 30%, he added.

 

The next step is to begin construction of freeways, or super highways, said Correa, adding that the technical and financial resources needed for such projects are available.