At the end of 2022, the municipalities complied with 89.2% of what was proposed, a record figure reached by the Interior Development Fund, which transferred more than 2,300,000 pesos to the communes.
Likewise, the municipalities executed 83% of what was proposed before the Incentive Fund for the Management of Municipalities. Both instruments are managed by the Planning and Budget Office (OPP).
In dialogue with Presidential Communication, the general coordinator of the OPP Decentralization and Cohesion Area, the former mayor of Nueva Helvecia María de Lima, stated that 2022 was a record year in terms of execution of the plans carried out through the Development Fund of the Interior and the Incentive Fund for the Management of Municipalities.
The hierarch pointed out that before reaching the end of the year almost all the projects had been completed. Likewise, he specified that through this work the mandate of the Executive Power to articulate, collaborate, and promote that resources arrive “with a fair distribution and with decent works for all Uruguayans” is fulfilled.
De Lima explained that during 2022 efforts were made to carry out important works, through an integrated effort, with a merger of resources. He added that they worked together with institutions and government entities, with the aim of complying with the policies outlined and providing opportunities to reach everyone at the same time.
Part of the works carried out during the last year involved the channeling of water, paving streets, improvement in road safety, curbs, gutters, lighting and reconstruction of public spaces in neighborhoods throughout the country. The hierarch highlighted that some of the projects carried out effectively brought about changes in people’s lives, such as the incorporation of drinking water and electricity in rural areas.
De Lima said that the initiatives carried out are intended to strengthen neighborhoods and cities, generate peace of mind, give inhabitants the possibility of living in illuminated places and circulate on roads in optimal conditions, while returning their taxes to the neighbors in works.
Through the Interior Development Fund, 2,300,000 million pesos were allocated in 2022 and 89.2% of the planned works were executed.
Meanwhile, through the Incentive Fund for Municipal Management, which covers the 125 municipalities throughout the country, 83% of the works planned at the end of the year were executed. Transfers channeled through this fund exceeded 1,500,000 pesos. The main goal of this fund is the promotion of regional and local development in the interior of the country and the promotion of decentralization of activities.
De Lima explained that this impulse aimed at municipal management will reach 2025 with a 35% increase in transfers made from OPP, and the Interior Development Fund will increase by 15%, which will translate into more works.
In another order, through extrabudgetary funds, the OPP Decentralization and Cohesion Area has collaborated with the Sembrando Nuestra Huerta initiative; supported 60 municipal plantations throughout the country, for a total of 12,000,000 pesos. These projects integrate the community, educate and raise awareness about the value of food, he assured.
In addition, through the Youth Fund, an action developed together with the National Youth Institute (INJU), 50 proposals presented by municipal governments that address issues such as sports, culture and rurality were financed. For this purpose, 20,000,000 pesos are allocated, reported De Lima.
Finally, the Economic Development Projects in which municipalities and municipalities participate will have about 40,000,000 pesos. This proposal, which is in its second edition, is aimed at understanding the economic matrix of each department and collaborating with those who nurture and sustain the local economy. Private projects will be encouraged, such as crops, agricultural plans, and the installation of community kitchens set up for entrepreneurs.
