Panama may take over canal work amid row

[PANAMA CITY] The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) said on Tuesday it might take over a key part of the waterway's expansion if the consortium in charge of the project makes good on a threat to suspend work.

PCA chief Jorge Quijano told reporters the remaining work, which could be taken over as early as February, would cost about US$1.5 billion.

He added that the PCA has the means to cover the sum.