Conconcreto will go after railway projects and some roads in the coming years, Jorge Libardo Duarte Ballestero, infrastructure manager of the Construction Company, stated in an interview with Portafolio. According to the manager, in the coming years they will begin adapting the company to the new state conditions to continue investing in infrastructure projects.
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How has the firm fared with its infrastructure projects?
Currently Conconcreto is developing very important projects nationwide, we also have operations in Miami and Panama.
Regarding the most significant projects that we are currently developing, there are infrastructure projects in Bogotá. We have two sections of Avenida 68 under construction: an intersection of Avenida Bosa with Autopista Sur, which is in the structuring process, the pre-construction stage of the two lots on Calle 13 and a lot of the Corredor Verde de la Carrera Seventh.
At this moment we are the group on 68th Avenue that has the most progress. The section of 26th Street is practically finished. In the other groups we are working to be able to implement shock measures to advance further, because traffic management plans and approvals from public service companies – for the transfer of networks – have been triggers for some delays.
For the next projects, will you focus more on local or national?
We have always been present in all infrastructure development at the national level. At this moment the National Government is developing the structuring of some projects. We are waiting for these projects to come out. Popayán – El Estanquillo was recently announced and even some railway projects that we will look at.
We will always be present. We are a company with more than 60 years of presence in Colombia and we will surely continue.
Any railway line in mind or other project?
There is a lot of expectation. Today our focus is on finishing and developing the projects we have with the Capital District.
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Jorge Libardo Duarte Ballestero, infrastructure manager of Constructora Conconcreto
Portfolio
With the challenges that have arisen in the sector, especially in terms of financing, how do you project the outlook for the following years?
We have to be flexible and adapt to the policies that the State establishes for this type of projects. We always have to walk hand in hand with the State to be able to structure and execute successful projects and each government has its policies, has its visions and Conconcreto is no stranger to this. However, we are working to adapt to these policies.
Would you like to get into railway projects?
Clear. Conconcreto was a pioneer in the construction of long highway tunnels in this country 30 years ago with the Buena Vista tunnel. We were in the Line Tunnel and very surely these challenges that the State is putting for the infrastructure today, Conconcreto will surely be there.
And vertical infrastructure such as hospitals or educational institutions with the PPP mechanism through the ANI?
Of course. In addition, we have many projects with private companies. We also have a real estate fund that develops very important projects such as the Hilton Corferias and other projects nationwide that make us stand out in this sector.
Any requests to improve the climate in the sector?
Above all, in large projects, we need financing from private banks and private banks, and they will always ask us to reduce the risks, to manage the risks.
The request to the State is that it understands which risks it can transfer and which risks it cannot transfer in this type of large projects.
Being able to obtain environmental permits has also become a challenge…
Environmental licensing in Colombia has gained strength in the last 20 years. I think it is important to continue along that line. We are no strangers to the need to have environmentally sustainable projects. We share the State’s policies on environmental management and we follow their line.
We respect the law, prior consultations and environmental management. So we know that these procedures take time.
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TransMilenio Bridge 68th Avenue and 26th Street
Courtesy Conconcreto
What’s coming for Conconcreto in the coming years?
Specifically, he is in a process of mental transformation, which will allow him to adapt the company to the challenges that this society imposes every day. Topics such as artificial intelligence, BIM management, and all these challenges that we have talked about. We have to continue building and adapting the company to be able to develop what we need for this country today.
PAULA GALEANO BALAGUERA
Portfolio Journalist
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