El Niño phenomenon threatens Trujillo: neighbors spend up to S/ 4,000 to protect homes due to unfulfilled works

Residents in Mampuesto, El Porvenir district of Trujillo, Peru, are taking matters into their own hands, spending up to S/ 4,000 (approximately $1,080 USD) to construct protective walls around their homes. This action comes in response to the looming threat of the El Niño phenomenon and the regional authorities' failure to fulfill promises made after a devastating flood.

In March 2025, the San Ildefonso ravine overflowed, affecting nearly 600 homes. Following this disaster, César Acuña, then governor of La Libertad, committed via a signed document to build retaining walls in collaboration with the El Porvenir Municipality. However, over a year later, no construction has commenced.

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We know that César Acuña is no longer governor, but now the regional authority is Joana Cabrera, who was at the meeting with the residents of Mampuesto and knows our problem.

Enrique Cruzado, a local resident, stated that the retaining wall project was approved in 2025 under Acuña's administration. The El Porvenir Municipality was slated to execute the work, with funding from the regional government. "We know that César Acuña is no longer governor, but now the regional authority is Joana Cabrera, who was at the meeting with the residents of Mampuesto and knows our problem," Cruzado added.

The signed agreement stipulated that the regional government would construct retaining walls on specific streets and passages and manage water channeling. The municipality was to provide resources and technical supervision. However, these commitments appear to have been ignored. Facing the threat of El Niño, residents have resorted to building their own defenses, fearing a repeat of the "total tragedy" experienced in the last mudslide, which destroyed homes, businesses, and vehicles.

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The residents have built their own retaining walls to prevent water from entering their homes. Some have spent nearly 4,000 soles to protect their homes and belongings. In the last mudslide, several residents lost their homes, their businesses, and their cars; it was a total tragedy, as it happened unexpectedly.