Peruvian President Alan Garcia's plan to build the world's tallest statue of Jesus in Lima has angered local residents.

The statue is to be 22 meters tall and stand atop a 15 meter base. Residents fear the huge “Christ of the Pacific” statue will mar the scenic view of the Pacific coastline.

Lima's mayor Susana Villaran says she will press Mr. Garcia to choose another site for the statue, which is similar to Brazil's iconic Christ the Redeemer statue.

President Garcia told reporters constructing the statue was a personal dream and he personally donated $37,000 to the project.

The statue, which is to be dedicated on June 29, would surpass the 36 meter tall Jesus statue in Swiebodzin, Poland.