A person in a red sweatjersey walks along the sidewalk next to a park under renovation, where there is a large sign announcing the project, surrounded by trees and at sunset.
ARGENTINA

Closed and stalled positions: two years without progress or municipal responses

Works began in 2023 with a 120-day deadline, but they still haven't been completed and the budget has already doubled

Several strategic squares in Córdoba have been closed for almost two years with no clear signs of progress in their renovations. Residents are demanding that the municipal administration fulfill the commitments made years ago and urgently improve the situation of these public spaces. Delays and lack of maintenance are creating insecurity and visible deterioration that affect the entire community.

The plan to restore these green spaces was launched under the previous municipal administration and included works in neighborhoods such as Müller, Ampliación Empalme, Santa Isabel, and Parque Futura. Despite having multi-million budgets and tight deadlines, the works have barely progressed, leaving public spaces abandoned. This situation exposes the inefficiency and lack of oversight in the execution of the works that are presented as a flagship of the administration.

Currently, Los Burros, San José Obrero, Malvinas Argentinas, and Parque Futura squares are closed and abandoned, with real progress not exceeding 32% in most cases. In addition, the initial budget for these interventions has already been doubled in some cases, with no clear justifications or tangible progress. The municipal administration has not provided public explanations or an updated schedule to solve this issue.

Near rusty wire by a path on a tree-lined street
The municipal administration hasn't provided any public explanations for the lack of completion | La Derecha Diario

Works paralyzed and residents in uncertainty

In Los Burros square, in the Müller neighborhood, the space is closed off and surrounded by fencing and debris, with no signs that the work will continue. Weeds and garbage are accumulating, turning the place into a focus of insecurity and abandonment for residents. According to neighborhood representatives, there is only one security guard on site, but no visible work is being done and tasks have not resumed.

The company contracted for these works keeps the minimum staff on the premises, while the Municipality is not making payments for the project. Residents express frustration over the lack of official communication and the complete lack of response to their complaints. The square, which was supposed to be a place for gathering and recreation, is now a symbol of municipal neglect and apathy.

The playground equipment has been removed or is in terrible condition, while new materials and furniture are left exposed to the elements. This scenario affects the neighborhood's quality of life and also puts at risk the safety and well-being of those living nearby. The lack of maintenance makes the mismanagement of public resources allocated to these works evident.

Several cylindrical concrete blocks stacked and distributed in an outdoor construction area surrounded by trees
This scenario affects the neighborhood's quality of life | La Derecha Diario

Incomplete sports spaces and lack of security

San José Obrero square, with works similar to those in Los Burros, is also paralyzed and without workers present. Although a sports court was partially completed, basic elements are missing such as basketball hoops and the shade netting (stolen some time ago). This forces residents to use an unsafe and deteriorated space, with constant complaints about filth and structures in poor condition.

Although there is a security guard hired by the company, the lack of maintenance and abandonment create an unsafe environment for children and teenagers who try to use the space. Requests for reports to the City Council reveal the absence of sanctions or effective oversight of the contractor. This situation clearly demonstrates a breach of contractual obligations and disregard for community well-being.

Residents feel ignored and unprotected in a space that should be for recreational and social integration purposes. The combination of abandoned structures and lack of surveillance worsens insecurity and discomfort in the neighborhood. The municipal administration still has not provided concrete answers or deadlines to resume the works.

Land with a concrete slab under construction next to a street and trees on a partly cloudy day
The neighbors feel ignored and unprotected in a space that should be for recreational use | La Derecha Diario

Closed streets and stalled works in Santa Isabel

In the Santa Isabel 1st Section neighborhood, Malvinas Argentinas square remains inaccessible and completely closed to traffic due to a blocked street that divides the property. Residents warn that this interruption affects circulation and creates risks as they have to walk on the roadway without protection. Construction materials remain on site with no movement or signs of work resuming.

Work began in October 2023 with a budget of nearly 303 million pesos (668,000 dollars) and an original deadline of January 2024. However, progress doesn't exceed 30% and there is no concrete date to reactivate the project. The lack of a security guard or safety measures increases insecurity and the accumulation of garbage in the area.

Residents are demanding that the Municipality explain why the works remain paralyzed and when they will resume. The absence of official information and the prolonged delay are seriously affecting the neighborhood's quality of life. This situation highlights the lack of planning and effective oversight by the municipal administration over public works.

Construction site with stacked cement blocks, a tree in the center, and a large pit in the foreground under a cloudy sky
Insecurity is increasing, along with the feeling of abandonment | La Derecha Diario

Parque Futura square: almost ready but unusable

Parque Futura square shows the most progress, with nearly 70% completion, although it still can't be used because the perimeter fence has not been removed. Common areas, such as playgrounds, tables, and green spaces, are incomplete and remain closed to residents. The neighborhood community center is demanding answers and laments that the work has taken more than two years without being finished.

The declared costs for this project seem disproportionate compared to the actual progress, raising doubts about the management of the public budget. Despite official promises and announcements, the space remains inaccessible and limited in its use. Residents are suffering the consequences of an administration that neither fulfills nor oversees the promised public works.

Insecurity is increasing, along with the sense of abandonment in a neighborhood that was hoping to regain a green space for the community. Meanwhile, the Municipality is not providing information or presenting a plan to complete and definitively open the square. The prolongation of this situation demonstrates the administration's inefficiency and lack of commitment to public works.

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