Antioquia government and private sector launch pilot reconstruction after earthquake

The government of Antioquia, in collaboration with the private sector, is initiating a comprehensive pilot program for reconstruction in the municipalities of Andes and Ciudad Bolívar. These two towns were the hardest hit in the department by the earthquake that occurred on August 10.

Following initial damage assessments, Governor Andrés Julián Rendón confirmed that the earthquake affected over 3,861 homes across Antioquia, with the Southwest and Eastern regions suffering the most significant impacts. The damage also extends to 777 educational facilities, 72 religious sites, 27 municipal administration buildings, and 27 hospitals. Additionally, 219 non-residential buildings, including hotels, cultural centers, and fire stations, sustained damage.

The pilot reconstruction initiative in Andes and Ciudad Bolívar is a joint effort involving the Antioquia Housing Enterprise (VIVA), ProAntioquia, Comfama, Cementos Argos, and Syma Consultores y Constructores. The plan prioritizes the construction of completely collapsed homes, improvements to existing residences, and repairs to religious buildings, hospitals, and schools in these two heavily impacted municipalities.

This pilot project is set to commence as soon as possible. It also plans to expand interventions to other earthquake-affected municipalities within Antioquia and potentially to other regions of Colombia. The initiative is supported by Corporación Presentes, which managed funds raised during a telethon held on August 12.

Juliana Velásquez, director of ProAntioquia, stated that a roadmap has been established following meetings with VIVA, Cementos Argos, and the mayors of Andes and Ciudad Bolívar. VIVA will lead housing improvements, while other partners will contribute to various aspects of the reconstruction efforts.

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VIVA will be in charge of housing improvements, while