18:01 | Piura (Piura region), Aug. 17.
The Peruvian Government will execute over 5,000 prevention and rehabilitation projects demanding S/23.538 billion (about US$7.25 billion) in areas ravaged by climate phenomenon months ago, reconstruction process head Pablo de la Flor informed Thursday.
While presenting the
Reconstruction with Changes Plan in northern Piura region,
De la Flor underlined the process includes more than S/5 billion (about US$1.54 billion) for prevention activities like river clearing and embankment.
"We want our communities to be better prepared for extreme climate phenomena that will certainly hit us in the future. It is not a matter of 'if,' it is a matter of 'when' the next El Niño phenomenon event will strike," the government official observed.
Projects
In terms of
housing, the endeavor will cover the reconstruction of more than 46,000 homes for flooded-out families.
The official also revealed the government plans to rebuild and rehabilitate 877 km of irrigation canals, over 7,000 km of roads, 2,638 km of highways and 192 bridges.
Likewise, infrastructure ventures will involve the rebuilding of close to 1,500 schools and projects related to 154 health care centers.
De la Flor highlighted said efforts will give the thousands of victims a chance to get back their lost livelihoods.
"It can be an extraordinary economic stimulus across the entire northern region and, above all, in Piura," he pointed out.
In addition to project information, the plan will set out which institution will be in charge of executing, managing and maintaining each venture, as well as how investments are to take place.
"We are considering two formulas for nearly all projects: direct public investment and Works for Taxes. Several major conglomerates have expressed interest in executing project packages […]," he concluded.
(END) LZD/MAO/DHT/MVB
Published: 8/17/2017