Veraguas Leads Panama in Territorial Planning Across All Districts
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The province of Veraguas has become a national model for territorial planning, with all 12 of its districts implementing land-use planning initiatives.
- This achievement, led by the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning and the Association of Municipalities of Panama, highlights Veraguas's strategic land management.
- The initiative aims to develop territories "for the people, with the people, and by the people," attracting investment and ensuring organized growth.
Veraguas has rightfully earned its place as Panama's benchmark for territorial ordering, a distinction that sets a powerful precedent for the entire nation. It is a testament to the collaborative spirit between the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning (MIVIOT) and the Association of Municipalities of Panama (AMUPA) that all twelve districts within the province now boast active territorial planning structures.
Veraguas is the first province where all its municipalities have municipal planning boards and where all are interested in developing territorial planning plans.
This is not merely about drawing lines on a map; it's about a profound commitment to developing our land "for the people, with the people, and by the people." Dicky Panay's emphasis on clear proposals and institutional support underscores a strategic vision for Veraguas's future. The province's success serves as a beacon, demonstrating that with "enthusiasm and political decision," organized growth and sustainable development are achievable goals. It's inspiring to see other provinces, like Chiriquรญ, already emulating Veraguas's pioneering efforts.
enthusiasm and political decision
While Veraguas leads the way, the challenges faced by other regions, as highlighted by San Miguelito's mayor Irma Hernรกndez, are stark. The historical lack of planning has led to chaotic urban growth, resulting in critical deficiencies in basic services like roads, water, sanitation, and waste management. San Miguelito's newfound focus on urban planning, utilizing satellite geolocation tools, represents a crucial step towards rectifying past oversights and improving the quality of life for its residents. This national push for territorial ordering is vital for attracting investment and ensuring a well-defined, planned future in our ever-changing world.
All of us know that the territory has grown without planning. Houses were built haphazardly, and that's why we face problems like the lack of streets, access, potable water, sanitation, and deficient waste management.
Originally published by TVN Panamรก in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.