Residents of Guasmo Sur express concerns over expropriations for the construction of the Fifth Bridge, arguing that the compensation offered will be inadequate for finding alternative housing.
In Guasmo Sur, a neighborhood in Ecuador, residents are voicing their concerns over the proposed construction of the Viaducto Sur, also referred to as the Fifth Bridge. Paola Fuentes, a long-time resident of the cooperative Derechos de los Pobres, highlighted that the construction would affect their community significantly, with many families who have lived there for 30 to 40 years facing potential displacement. The project involves not only the bridge but also the creation of a linear park, sports park, and a school, complicating the residents' sense of security and belonging to their homes.
The anxiety among the residents stems from the fear that the compensation provided by the government will not suffice for them to secure alternative housing. With some community members already calculating that as many as 200 families could be affected, the situation raises critical questions about the value placed on their long-standing ties to the neighborhood versus the development plans. This sentiment is echoed as residents recall how much effort they invested over the years to build a livable community from what initially was a muddy, underdeveloped area.
As the project moves forward, officials from the Ministry of Infrastructure are tasked with addressing the grievances of the residents. The implications of these developments not only concern the immediate displacement of families but also the broader issues of urban development and gentrification in Ecuadorian cities, prompting discussions about balancing infrastructure advancement with the rights and needs of existing communities.
