President Daniel Noboa announced on March 23 a series of public works and social initiatives aimed at addressing longstanding needs in the province of Esmeraldas. The measures include investment in public spaces, support for local communities, assistance to the productive and fishing sectors, as well as plans for new affordable housing.
The announcement is significant for residents of Esmeraldas, who have often called for greater government attention to infrastructure and economic development. Noboa said these actions are intended to correct past neglect by the state. “We are correcting that unjust past that left you out of the attention of the State and we do it here in your territory with you (…). The people of Esmeraldas need a Government that supports families and gives them tools so they can move forward,” said Noboa during his speech.
One major project is the second phase of Parque Tachina in Esmeraldas canton. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) will invest more than USD 6.6 million into building recreational areas such as sports fields, playgrounds, an athletic track, and spaces for cultural activities. This follows an earlier phase focused on land preparation costing around USD 2.4 million. “Today we begin construction on Parque Tachina, where we are investing more than USD 9 million to transform five hectares into a dignified and safe space for your community,” said Noboa.
The government also revealed plans to build affordable housing through its Casa 100 program after receiving a donation of 4.5 hectares from local authorities in San Mateo parish. This forms part of a national goal to deliver up to 200,000 housing solutions across Ecuador.
Support was also pledged for agriculture and artisanal fishing sectors through inter-institutional agreements between ministries and provincial authorities. Two tractors valued at over USD 84,000 were provided along with agricultural kits benefiting cocoa producers; property titles were handed out; legal status was granted to local producer associations; and family farming records were issued.
Further measures include allocating USD 1.2 million via the Secretariat for Peoples’ Development towards projects benefiting rural parishes like Camarones, Rioverde, La Tola, San Mateo among others—reaching about 40,700 people—and awarding nearly four thousand PIAM scholarships through Universidad Metropolitana del Ecuador (UMET) focused on marketing, entrepreneurship, tourism and administration.
Noboa highlighted previous investments made in critical road repairs along E15/E20 highways as well as potable water projects in Muisne: “This is my obligation and I will fulfill it; we will bring Esmeraldas up-to-date,” he concluded.
