Santa María Council Rejects Maximum-Security Prison Plan in Herrera

The Municipal Council of Santa María, located in the province of Herrera, has formally rejected plans to build a maximum-security prison in their district. The opposition emerged after information surfaced about a public tender for the project, prompting an emergency council meeting. Although the Minister of Government, Dinoska Montalvo, was expected to attend, she sent her apologies and did not participate in the discussions where local authorities voiced their strong disapproval.

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We have important educational facilities within this area, and we believe this must be taken into account.

Mayor Iván De León stated that both municipal authorities and the community have consistently opposed the prison proposal since its inception. He outlined three primary reasons for their rejection. Firstly, the proposed site is near significant educational centers, including the National Institute of Agriculture (INA) and the Melchor Lasso de la Vega Institute of Arts and Trades. "We have important educational facilities within this area, and we believe this must be taken into account," De León said.

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These are significant risks that can cause concern when investing state funds.

Secondly, concerns have been raised about potential environmental consequences, particularly given the proximity to vital water sources like the Cañazas and Santa María rivers. "These are significant risks that can cause concern when investing state funds," he noted. The council also questioned the substantial budget of over $177 million allocated for the prison's construction. Ovidio Pinzón, president of the Municipal Council, argued that this amount could be better spent on critical infrastructure, such as a water treatment plant, as many areas in their district suffer from prolonged water supply shortages.

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It would be much better if that $177 million were invested in a drinking water treatment plant, because there are sectors in our district that go 24, 48 hours or even several days without supply.

Furthermore, the council denounced a lack of prior consultation regarding the project, stating that even various provincial entities were unaware of the initiative. "We are one hundred percent in opposition to this proposal. A citizen consultation should have been held, and we still lack many details about the project," Pinzón stated. He also pointed out the irony of a large-scale prison investment while requests for community development funds have been denied for years. The council is committed to seeking official information and urges the government to engage in dialogue.

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We are one hundred percent in opposition to this proposal. A citizen consultation should have been held, and we still lack many details about the project.