Neuquén province launches $1.6 trillion infrastructure plan and secures $387 million loans

The government of Argentina’s Neuquén province presented a $1.6 trillion (Argentine peso) infrastructure package to the Inter‑American Development Bank. The plan targets the Vaca Muerta oil‑and‑gas hub and surrounding towns such as Añelo, San Patricio del Chañar and Rincón de los Sauces, with investments in road paving, utilities, schools, hospitals and community facilities to support projected population growth and energy activity.

The provincial legislature subsequently approved two loan programmes worth up to US$387 million from the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF). One line of US$250 million will fund 174 km of roads linking Andacollo, Los Miches, Guañacos, the Pichachén border crossing and Ruta 21 between Loncopué, El Huecú and El Cholar. The second line of US$137.8 million will finance electric projects—including the Alivilla line to connect Villa la Angostura to the national grid and the “North Ring” linking Las Lajas and Chos Malal—to reduce reliance on costly gas‑fueled generation. Loans carry 5.4‑5.5 % interest, up to 15‑year terms and grace periods of 54‑66 months, with disbursements tied to construction progress.