—You could say that you have a direct line with the national government. What achievements can you point to?
—We had to wait for the five-year budget to be approved, but we have achieved some interventions, such as the coming to Nueva Palmira of Ministers and Directors, in addition to maintaining contact with them. A few days ago the architect from the Ministry of Transportation and Public Works (MTOP) was present for the signing of the agreement for works in Cadis. Work was also carried out on the “Juan de Narbona” chapel and ranch, where the MTOP, in conjunction with the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC), will carry out improvement works. In the next few days they will send us the project, which includes repairs and bathrooms for the public. Both ministries also work together on other projects in the country.
On the other hand, happily the approval of the second high school was achieved. Covinupa 2’s overhead wiring is also approved to avoid the risk of short circuits, a problem for the cooperative’s neighborhood. In addition, swimming teachers from the National Sports Directorate were hired for the Plaza pool. And route 97 will be rebuilt to divert heavy traffic and then route 21 from Palmira to Carmelo.
While at UTU Palmira a dining room will be installed for students through modules on the premises. The project to renovate the Lions Club’s Leolandia Park is also close to being signed.
I think that sometimes people from other parties, and even some Frente Amplistas, think that this government does little, but when it took office it found itself with many irregular situations that it had to address in order to move forward. Personally, I am confident and see positive signs. Starting in March, visits by parliamentarians and ministers will increase in what is called work in the territory.
—What is your perception about the work of the municipality? As a member, do you feel comfortable? Is there a good response to people’s needs?
—It is constant learning, adaptation. I thought that there would be more teamwork and that people’s problems would be addressed, but it is being difficult. Many neighbors give me letters stating their needs; I take them to the municipality and four or five months pass without them attending the sessions. I don’t know if they are misplaced or if there is no time to deal with them.
The neighbors consult me and that gives me a bitter taste because they do not go through the Municipal Council. The mayor is the main authority, but there is a council to work as a team. For example, the resolution to withdraw MIDES from the municipality, when it is a necessary office for the people and fulfills an important social role, did not pass the session. Fortunately, we managed to get the Hospital to provide a place for MIDES to serve the public on Mondays.
—The sanitation?
—The plan they gave us was still under review. I personally asked them to include the Piai neighborhood, which is quite forgotten. I also pointed out other important points such as the Hospital and Camoc.
—Streets are being fixed where the sanitation may possibly pass. Why does that happen?
—I raised it with the mayor because, in my opinion, we are spending money unnecessarily if streets are repaired that will later be intervened for sanitation. He responded that he would continue with the projects he had planned and rejected what I proposed.
—How do you plan to resolve the overflow and lack of containers in a city that is growing in housing?
—The situation is complicated. Apparently, municipalities would buy containers jointly to reduce costs. The issue of garbage is complex: there is only one truck for collection and when it breaks down the problem worsens.
I also believe that there is a lack of commitment from the population to keep the city clean. It would be important to post a visible telephone number to report overflowing containers. In addition, there is a lack of a fixed collection schedule per neighborhood so that people keep it in mind and collaborate.
—Why is the attention for the issuance of driving licenses so limited?
—It is attended only one day per week and few numbers are delivered. People call to make an appointment and many times the phone is busy or, when they answer, there are no more numbers left. Then they must be scheduled -because in other cities it is by web- in Carmelo, Colonia, Juan Lacaze, Tarariras or wherever, but not here, where it is only by phone.
There are people who have been waiting their turn since November. They tell them that they do not come more often to issue notebooks because there are doctors on leave. I wonder why others aren’t hired. These are situations that could easily be resolved for the benefit of the people.
