Colón residents demand relocation after fatal fall from decaying building

Residents of the caserón 4040 building in Colón are urgently demanding relocation, citing severe structural decay and the recent death of an elderly man who fell from the building. The incident on Wednesday, June 3, occurred when the man fell from a balcony, reigniting long-standing complaints about the building's dangerous condition.

For eight years, the over 23 families residing in the building, including numerous children, have awaited transfer to the Altos de Los Lagos housing project. They report that balconies have given way, roofs have collapsed in sections, and building materials frequently detach from the structure. "We are tired of this. If you can go in there, you see how this house is. It's no good, you can't hammer a nail, it's nothing," one resident described.

The residents live in constant uncertainty, fearing that a similar tragedy could befall a child. Dori, another resident, appealed to the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning (Miviot) for urgent attention. "Yesterday it was a man, today it could be a child, it could be another person. We are very worried about what is happening today," she stated.

Residents were informed over a year ago about a potential move, but the process has faced constant delays. They emphasize the permanent risk posed by the deteriorating structure, particularly to the approximately 10 children living on the premises. The building is located between streets 4 and 5 on Balboa Avenue in Colón.

“

Nosotros estamos cansados de esto. Si usted puede entrar ahí, usted ve cómo está esta casa. No sirve, no se puede martillar un clavo, no es nada.