Autopistas del Caribe does not renounce the Private Initiative project

The National Government made the decision to liquidate the Autopistas del Caribe concession, which would be in charge of the Cartagena – Barranquilla freight corridor, after delays in the start of the work due to differences with the communities surrounding the project. However, this Friday -April 19- the granting of the Private Initiative, Autopistas del Caribe insisted once again on completing the work contracted for more than five years through a new proposal.

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This proposal was shared through the Multisector Roundtable for the Future of the Caribbean, which included political authorities, control entities, unions, directors of infrastructure companies and representatives of the communities of Bolívar and Atlántico.

In this space, topics of regional and national interest were debated, related to the advancement of 'unavoidable' projects and investments for reduce the lag that the Caribbean region presents in terms of connectivity, competitiveness, unemployment and poverty.

Among the highlights of the meeting, the IP-Caribbean Highways was discussed. It is worth mentioning that the Government's argument for early liquidation of this Public Private Partnership project, a Private Initiative, was due to political movements promoted by minorities, who, making “use of misinformation”, iThey requested the collection and installation of collection stations, essential for the financing of the works. of road infrastructure.

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The project aims to connect the capitals of Atlántico and Bolívar on a dual carriageway, two regional development hub cities and their ports, and large megaprojects such as the Canal del Dique, the Bayunca and Ernesto Cortizzos airports, 4G projects such as Antioquia – Bolívar, Cartagena – Barranquilla and Puerta de Hierro – Palmar de Varela and Carreto – Cruz del Viso.
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Additionally, through the Contractual Social Management Plan, the concessionaire supports communities and children, through activities such as the donation of supplies and training to promote productive projects, community integration days, spaces for recreation and empowerment of children and parents, garbage collection activities, training sessions and pedagogy in road culture, among others.

With an investment of $4.3 billion, the project will generate social, economic and environmental benefits for the Caribbean:

• Reduction in travel times and operating costs for cargo vehicles, passengers and other users.
• Generation of nearly 7 thousand jobs.
• Increase in tourism and revitalization of local economies.
• Improvement of ecosystems and the environment.
• Improvement of the social conditions of the communities.
• Greater regional connectivity.
• Industrial development.

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Caribbean Highways

National Infrastructure Agency

On this occasion and With the intention of safeguarding this billion-dollar investment, a proposal for the implementation of a new tariff scheme for the project with a differential tariff was socialized among the participating actors. unified in the 6 toll stations and whose annual increase for it would be associated with the CPI.

The proposal was endorsed, accompanied and supported by the participating actors, representatives of the interests of the region.

The day ended with a joint declaration signed by the attendees, who demand that the National Government respect the investments contracted for the Caribbean and work hand in hand with the different actors involved and who benefit from the project, to accompany this proposal that will make the continuation of the Caribbean Highways Cartagena – Barranquilla Freight Corridor Project.

PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Portfolio Journalist