Andina

Peru's Congress grants Executive Branch special powers on reconstruction

10:47 | Lima, May. 18.

Peru's Congress granted special powers to the Executive Branch to legislate on reconstruction matters as well as to close infrastructure and services gaps in the Inca country.


The initiative was passed Thursday by majority vote, after a fourth intermission, which enabled lawmakers to take on board the viewpoints expressed during the debate.

At the request of Ursula Letona, chair of the Constitution Commission, the Congress plenary session approved the decision will not move on to a second voting round.

With special powers to legislate for a 60-day period, the Executive attempts to make a series of regulatory changes in the country's reconstruction process —after Coastal El Niño phenomenon hit northern Peru last year— in order to speed it up.

Authority for Reconstruction with Changes (RCC) Chief Edgar Quispe explained these changes will shave 12 to 13 months off the project cycle time by eliminating a few unnecessary processes.

He went on to say the current law does not reflect the exceptional nature of reconstruction and the urgent need to restore the quality of life of citizens affected by Coastal El Niño phenomenon, which was also exceptional.

The idea is to make changes in already established deadlines for tenders, studies, permission, clear titling, and other procedures that require an exceptional framework for the country's reconstruction process.

The Executive requested special powers to Congress to legislate in key areas including reconstruction, economy and competitiveness matters, State modernization, and fight against corruption. 

(END) FHG/RMB/MVB

Published: 5/18/2018