Tension in La Cuaba: Community members call for government intervention amid protests over recycling plant
The community of La Cuaba, in the municipality of Pedro Brand, is experiencing moments of high tension. Community leaders Alex Reyes and Yeison Melo have formally requested the intervention of government authorities regarding the constant blockades that prevent access to the land where the construction of a solid waste management and recycling plant is planned.
This call arises following the recent decision of the Superior Administrative Court (TSA), which dismissed the precautionary measure appeal filed by local groups. These organizations sought to halt the project, alleging potential environmental damage; however, the court determined that the environmental license granted by the Ministry of Environment meets legal requirements and that waste management is an activity of public interest subject to state control.
Concern for public safety
The situation has escalated to levels that worry residents. Alex Reyes reported that dangerous incidents were recorded last Tuesday, including the burning of tires near a gas station, which put the physical integrity of hundreds of families in the area at risk.
We are calling on the Government to intervene before a tragedy occurs. It is one thing to protest for a community and quite another to take actions that could endanger the lives of hundreds of families.
Alex Reyes, community leader.They demand respect for institutional channels
For his part, Yeison Melo underscored the need for authorities to impose order to prevent private or political interests from continuing to disrupt social peace in Pedro Brand. Melo emphasized that, although the right to protest is legitimate, it must always be exercised within the framework of legality and without compromising the safety of third parties.
- The TSA endorsed the legality of the environmental license granted.
- The Ministry of Environment guaranteed that the project has constant supervision, audit, and inspection programs.
- Community leaders advocate for dialogue as the only way to resolve differences.
Finally, both Reyes and Melo insisted that any complaints regarding the recycling plant must be channeled through the appropriate institutions, avoiding forceful measures that only generate instability in the community and put workers and pedestrians at risk.
