Ecuador's transport and public works ministry (MTOP) has received approval from national planning and development secretary Senplades to begin studies costing US$1.43mn for road projects in Cañar province.

The 13 projects involve studies for some 80km of highway. Contractors will be hired through the country's e-procurement portal, according to a ministry release.

The ministry has already hired two firms to carry out studies for road projects in Cañar. Local firm Cevaconsult will perform studies on the 23km El Tambo-Ingapirca-Honorato Vásquez stretch, which will cost US$270,000.

Irigoyen y Asociados, meanwhile, will complete studies on the Ducur-Gualleturo y Jalupata-Chontamarca stretch, budgeted at US$323,000.