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Valle del Cauca reconstruction begins with focus on aqueducts, following government directives
🇨🇴 Colombia /Disasters & Emergencies

Valle del Cauca reconstruction begins with focus on aqueducts, following government directives

From El Tiempo · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Juan Manuel Muñoz, the new Reconstruction Manager for Valle del Cauca, has prioritized aqueduct repairs following a devastating earthquake.
  • Muñoz, who survived the 1983 Popayán earthquake, understands the personal impact of losing everything and chose this role over an ambassadorship to Brazil.
  • The reconstruction efforts will focus on seven aqueduct projects and other initiatives, with initial funding allocated by the president.

Juan Manuel Muñoz, the newly appointed Reconstruction Manager for Valle del Cauca, has declared that the region's rebuilding efforts are already underway, with a firm focus on essential infrastructure like aqueducts. Muñoz, who personally experienced the devastation of the 1983 Popayán earthquake, stated that he understands the profound pain of losing everything in an instant. This empathy, he explained, motivated his decision to decline a prestigious ambassadorship to Brazil in favor of leading the monumental task of rebuilding the Valle del Cauca after the August 10 earthquake.

I am one more earthquake victim

— Juan Manuel MuñozMuñoz describes his personal experience with the 1983 Popayán earthquake to explain his empathy and commitment to the reconstruction efforts in Valle del Cauca.

"I am one more earthquake victim," Muñoz said, his voice steady, emphasizing his firsthand knowledge of the suffering that comes with losing one's home and possessions. This personal connection, he believes, allows him to better comprehend and address the needs of those affected by the recent disaster. His commitment is to ensure that reconstruction efforts, particularly for housing and water systems, proceed without improvisation.

I know exactly what it feels like. I know what it is to lose everything in seconds and end up sheltered under a tent.

— Juan Manuel MuñozMuñoz explains his deep understanding of the victims' suffering due to his own childhood experience during the 1983 Popayán earthquake.

The president has already issued directives, and initial funding is being allocated. Muñoz confirmed that his immediate priority is the repair of seven identified aqueduct systems, with Buenaventura being one of the municipalities awaiting this critical infrastructure. The president has reportedly discussed these projects with the governor's office, ensuring they are well-characterized and ready for immediate action. This swift commencement signals a determined approach to recovery.

My order is to start now on the aqueducts; they are totally identified and that is now, it is now, now. There are seven aqueducts.

— Juan Manuel MuñozMuñoz outlines his immediate priority for the reconstruction efforts in Valle del Cauca.
About this summary

Originally published by El Tiempo in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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