More than 15,000 residents of San Lorenzo, located in the northern part of Esmeraldas province, have seen improvements in street lighting and safety following a public lighting project carried out by the Government of El Nuevo Ecuador. The initiative was implemented through the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Corporación Nacional de Electricidad (CNEL EP).
The project involved an investment exceeding one million dollars. It included the installation of 697 LED lights, 27 sodium lights, 663 poles, 23 transformers, about 30 kilometers of new medium- and low-voltage networks, and 340 meters. Both urban neighborhoods such as 3 de Julio, Manglar, La Florida, MIDUVI – El Edén, San José, 12 de Octubre, 16 de Julio, Antiguo Basurero, Estación del Tren and Palestina as well as rural communities like El Encanto, La Loma, El Porvenir Tambillo, Recinto La Alegría, Calderón, Carondelet, El Progreso, Urbanización Afro Cayapas, Ricaurte, La Chiquita, Providencia de Dios and Guarumo benefited from these upgrades.
Carlos Castro from CNEL EP Unidad de Negocio Esmeraldas said: “This public lighting project represents significant progress for the safety and well-being of the communities of San Lorenzo. With adequate lighting we not only improve visibility on streets and public spaces; we also strengthen citizen security; promote local development; and dignify daily life for residents.”
Percide Solís spoke on behalf of local residents: “We are grateful for this work that improves lighting in our areas. The new lights illuminate better and give us more security and peace at night.”
In addition to these improvements in infrastructure, the Municipality of San Lorenzo donated one hectare of land to CNEL EP to support construction of a new agency office in San Lorenzo. This facility is expected to enhance customer service for local users and strengthen CNEL’s operational presence in the area.
CNEL EP stated that projects like this demonstrate its ongoing commitment with the Government of El Nuevo Ecuador to advance development and well-being for people living in Esmeraldas province.
