Venezuela's interim president inspects earthquake housing repairs amid criticism

Interim President Delcy Rodríguez visited Guarenas on Thursday to inspect the progress of housing rehabilitation projects under the "Plan Venezuela Renace." This initiative was established to address the damage caused by earthquakes on June 24. Rodríguez toured Blocks 17 and 18 of the Comuna Trincheras de la Revolución in the Trapichito sector, where work has begun to repair homes affected by the seismic activity and assist impacted families.

The official visit included several government officials, including the governor of Miranda, Elio Serrano, and ministers responsible for public works, economy, finance, housing, and digital government. The presence of these officials underscores the government's stated commitment to recovery efforts in the areas struck by the disaster.

However, the government's reconstruction efforts are occurring amidst criticism regarding the speed and effectiveness of its response. Social organizations, specialists, and residents from the hardest-hit communities have questioned the government's capacity to react in the crucial hours following the tremors. Key complaints include delays in deploying specialized rescue teams and machinery, with neighbors and volunteers reportedly initiating debris removal to search for survivors.

Further criticism has targeted the perceived lack of established protocols for managing a disaster of this magnitude and the slow deployment of resources to the most affected zones. Families of victims and civil organizations have voiced concerns about these delays. The government, meanwhile, maintains that the "Plan Venezuela Renace" is concentrating recovery efforts on rehabilitating housing, infrastructure, and public services in the affected regions.