Economy and Finance Minister Alex Contreras estimated that the economic losses caused by protests have exceeded S/300 million (over US$78.9 million) so far this year, with a "very negative" focused impact in troubled areas.
"In the case of Puno, which is the most affected area, the impact is very negative. The situation is complicated considering that this region is the one with the highest poverty levels, that is, 43% of its population. In addition, more than S/500 million (over US$131.5 million) has not been executed," he said in remarks to RPP Noticias.
The Cabinet member lamented that protesters are attacking State-owned infrastructure, which is detrimental to them because these furniture and properties constitute the foundation to provide good services to citizens.
"These 50 vehicles were going to be donated to the Regional Government of Puno and to provincial municipalities in a bid to contribute to the improvement of their management," he added.
Executive Bureau
In this sense, the Cabinet member affirmed that the Government strongly seeks to engage in dialogue in order to stop excesses and prevent further accumulation of economic losses to the detriment of the country and the region.
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We talked to the Minister of Energy and Mines yesterday (Tuesday), and we have found it convenient to launch an Executive Bureau for the industrialization of lithium. This is something that the people of Puno are asking for," the government official stated.
"We will work this week to establish strategies and take advantage of this important resource. Also, we will make use of Puno's potential," he added.
Afterwards, he called on the people of Puno to prioritize dialogue in order to move their region forward.
(END) RGP/SDD/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/12/2023