Kiosks intended to enhance the use of pedestrian crossings in Ecuador's northern region remain largely unused and closed, raising concerns among local residents.
In Ecuador, particularly at the pedestrian crossing near the Juan Pablo II cooperative along the Narcisa de Jesús highway, several kiosks intended to promote local businesses and improve pedestrian engagement have not been utilized as expected. Despite being built to encourage families to shop and create business opportunities, these kiosks remain mostly closed and only serve as structures for crossing the road quickly, as many users do not stop at them.
Since their inauguration in July 2023, the kiosks have faced criticism from local residents. One resident highlighted that the kiosks, which were supposed to be vibrant retail spaces selling local items, now sit empty and neglected. The original intent to create an inviting marketplace atmosphere appears to have failed, leaving the pedestrian crossings functioning similarly to how they did before the kiosks were installed.
Community members are expressing their dissatisfaction regarding the state of these kiosks, as they feel they contribute little to neighborhood activity or local commerce. As concerns grow about safety and the potential for misuse of the abandoned kiosks, there is pressure on local authorities to address these issues and find solutions to better utilize these spaces for the benefit of the community.
