The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced on March 13 that it is working with local authorities and decentralized autonomous governments to keep the state road network operational in southern Ecuador following damage caused by heavy rains.
The ministry said these efforts are important to ensure safe mobility and connectivity for road users in affected areas. Several key routes have been impacted, including the Cariamanga – Sozoranga – Macará (E69) highway, where landslides have occurred in sectors such as Manche, Utuana, Punta de Piedra, and Pénjamo.
To address these emergencies, the ministry has deployed technical staff and machinery. Cleanup operations using backhoes and dump trucks are underway on the Cariamanga – Sozoranga stretch. A front loader has also been sent to help remove landslide debris from the roadway. These actions are being carried out jointly with the Sozoranga local government, especially along the Sozoranga – Macará section.
An inter-institutional agreement has enabled further cleanup work on Binational Road Axis II, specifically between Puente Puyango, “Y” de Balsones, and Pindal. Support from the Puyango local government has focused interventions in Cochurco, Chirimoyo, and nearby areas to restore vehicle circulation.
On the El Empalme – Celica – Alamor (E68) route, a front loader, mini-loader, and dump truck are being used to reopen this corridor connecting southwestern Loja province. To reestablish connectivity between Loja and El Oro provinces, crews are removing landslide material from Chaguarpamba – Río Pindo (E50), particularly at Guaduas (Tintanil hill) and El Doblado.
“These actions respond to our institutional commitment to keep the state network operational; we work in coordination with local governments to promptly address emergencies caused by the rainy season,” said Edwin Duque, Zonal Subsecretary 7.
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport stated that it remains committed to collaborating with regional governments by pooling resources for rapid emergency response and ensuring continued mobility for citizens.
