On November 21, 2025, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport (MIT) conducted a site inspection in Esmeraldas province to review progress on infrastructure projects intended to improve local living conditions. The visit was led by Paolo Carpio, Vice Minister of Infrastructure, who was accompanied by Ángel Dueñas, manager for Reconstruction and Productive Reactivation of Manabí and Esmeraldas.
The first stop was in Muisne, where officials inspected the water system improvement project. This initiative has an investment exceeding USD 5.3 million and is aimed at providing reliable access to potable water for over 15,000 residents who have waited years for such services. During the inspection, Carpio met with representatives from the construction company to assess work progress and discuss adjustments to the project schedule.
Authorities noted substantial advances in several areas: new piping and connections were being installed in Santa Rosa sector; upgrades were underway at the treatment plant; reserve tanks, oxidation plant, intake system, and a new distribution network were all part of ongoing works. In Matambal zone, they reviewed the construction of a new pumping station with three modern pumps designed for high demand situations as well as protective gabion walls.
“Estamos visitando cada uno de estos grandes proyectos que ejecuta el Gobierno Nacional. El mejoramiento del agua para Muisne es una obra fundamental, una inversión que supera los USD 5.3 millones y que beneficiará a más de 15.000 personas que durante años no contaron con este servicio básico. Verificamos varios frentes de trabajo y el cumplimiento del cronograma, porque estas obras deben avanzar y llegar a los pueblos,” said Carpio.
After Muisne, Carpio’s team visited the E-20 Esmeraldas – Quinindé road—a vital route for agricultural trade and tourism in the region—where District Director César Bustos reported that repairs are progressing on critical sections managed by the provincial public company. The project is two months into its contract period with about 10% completion so far; it is scheduled for full delivery within 300 days with an equivalent investment of USD 5.3 million.
Work is being carried out simultaneously along multiple segments of the highway, prioritizing those most affected by deterioration or weather damage. At kilometer 69, workers replaced old road structures and installed new pipes due to previous neglect and climate impacts.
Vice Minister Carpio stated these inspections help ensure technical standards are met and deadlines maintained while reinforcing government commitment to community needs. He also urged drivers to be cautious while work continues along active construction zones.
“El objetivo es claro: asegurar que cada proyecto contribuya a mejorar la calidad de vida de los esmeraldeños,” he added.
