Colombian government begins delivery of 1,000 homes for earthquake victims in Chocó
In a joint effort to mitigate the impact of the devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck Colombia on August 10th, President Abelardo de la Espriella led the delivery in Quibdó of the first housing unit of a project that includes 1,000 prefabricated homes, thanks to the collaboration of Grupo Argos.
The home delivered to the Asprilla family, which consists of 60 square meters and three bedrooms, marks the beginning of a reconstruction effort that, according to the president, transcends the building of physical structures to focus on the comprehensive recovery of the citizens.
Rebuilding Colombia does not only mean rebuilding walls, it means rebuilding lives, it means restoring security, restoring dignity, it means generating opportunities for the people.
Abelardo de la Espriella, President of Colombia
Expanded commitment and focus on vulnerable areas
Initially, Grupo Argos had committed to the delivery of 300 rapid-construction homes; however, given the magnitude of the tragedy, the figure was increased to 1,000 units. Of this total, 500 houses will be assigned specifically to the department of Chocó, one of the areas with the highest poverty rates in the country and severely hit by the earthquake.
Juan Esteban Calle, president of Argos, emphasized that the delivery process will be progressive and constant, ensuring that efforts will continue until all donated homes are completed.
Challenges of national reconstruction
- The Government estimates a national reconstruction cost of nearly 30 trillion Colombian pesos (approximately 9.5 billion dollars).
- The impact of the natural phenomenon left a tragic toll of 335 deaths and 4,516 injured people, according to figures from the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management.
- There are plans to integrate public resources and additional contributions from various private companies to expand aid coverage for affected families.
President De la Espriella reaffirmed his commitment to the affected communities, ruling out that his presence in the disaster zones is temporary. After his visit to Quibdó, the president traveled to Buenaventura to personally oversee the delivery of more housing and continue assessing the needs of those affected during this critical stage of recovery.
