Medellín Halts 35 Illegal Constructions in Cerro de las Tres Cruces
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Medellín authorities are intensifying urban control in the Cerro de las Tres Cruces area to combat illegal construction.
- Approximately 35 unauthorized construction projects have been suspended this year, with increased surveillance using satellite monitoring.
- The crackdown aims to protect the natural reserve and prevent citizens from buying land in protected areas, which carries financial and legal risks.
Medellín's urban authorities are cracking down on illegal construction in the vital Cerro de las Tres Cruces natural reserve. This year alone, about 35 unauthorized building projects have been halted. The city's administration is boosting surveillance, especially during holiday periods when illegal construction often surges.
Using satellite monitoring and on-the-ground inspections, officials are working to detect and stop unauthorized land use and construction. The Secretary of Territorial Management and Control has conducted numerous inspections and issued technical reports. This proactive approach aims to catch illegal activities early.
Juan Camilo Arredondo Ballesteros, deputy secretary of Urban Control, warned residents against suspiciously cheap land offers. He urged people to verify property legality with authorities to avoid financial losses or buying land in protected zones where building is prohibited. The campaign seeks to ensure citizen safety from structural risks and preserve the Cerro de las Tres Cruces as a critical urban biodiversity corridor.
We must be wary of suspiciously cheap land offers and verify property conditions with authorities.
Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.