The Integrated Mass Transportation System in Cartagena (SITM), trans-caribbean, has faced deep economic crises in recent years. For this reason, the Prosperity Program of United Kingdom in Colombiawill invest 3,500 million pesos for its restructuring, with the support of the National Development Finance Company, FDN, which will be the implementing partner.
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The British Government seeks to help the capital of Bolívar so that it has a sustainable transport systeminclusive and tailored to the needs of users.
“We must renegotiate Transcaribe contracts so that it works in much more equitable conditions and be able to sustain the system. Transcaribe, its shortcomings and long-term sustainability must be reassessed“said Mayor William Dau.
To date, Transcaribe has implemented the 52% of the Integrated Transport Systembut still has significant debts.
“These resources are very important because Transcaribe, like the country’s integrated transportation systems, is not sustainable. It was poorly conceived and, like other transport systems, a much higher flow of passengers was expected. It has always been on the verge of bankruptcyWilliam Dau pointed out.
The goal, from now on, is to give the system sustainability to enhance its environmental and social benefits. “We have a lot of experience in the UK in this regard and the provision of public transport improves the quality of life for people and the environment, and connects previously unconnected communities,” said Timothy Hemmings, head of the UK mission.
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According to the District, this injection of resources will help avoid polluting emissions and the energy transition in this public service.
“The technical and financial support of the FDN and the Prosperity Program of the United Kingdom in Colombia will focus on a comprehensive structuring that includes, among other things, analyzing new sources of payment for the system, better risk management and alternatives for operational design and remuneration“, said Ana María González, advisor to the Cartagena office for international cooperation.
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The mayor of Cartagena also recognized that the restructuring of the company is necessary. “Transcaribe was born dead but we cannot let it die. A city of the importance, category and size of Cartagena, with more than 1,200,000 inhabitants, cannot be left without a legitimate transport system, or adrift with informal transport” , holds William Daw.
BRIEFCASE
With information from EL TIEMPO*
