By The Star Staff
Guánica Mayor Ismael “Titi” Rodríguez Ramos said Sunday that reconstruction work on the Guánica Malecón is waiting for the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) to finally file the “joint permit” that the commonwealth agency submits to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which would allow work to begin.
“The wave and flora & fauna studies have already been carried out, which are important to establish any adjustment to the project,” the mayor said in a written statement. “It is already clearly established that we will remain at the same dimensions as the current Malecón.”
The project, which is in the hands of the highest bidder, TRG Arquitects, entails a significant investment, which includes the remodeling of the Jiménez Mesa public plaza.
“The start of work is awaiting that ‘Joint Permit’ that was supposed to be submitted last November. Four months have passed and we have no evidence that it has been submitted,” the mayor said. “Anyone with Puerto Rican suspicion could understand that this being an election year, everything is delayed. We hope in good faith that this is not the case, but we never sit idly by; that is why we make this public claim to the DNER and so that the Guaniqueña citizens are duly informed.”
Rodríguez Ramos also pointed out that the Community Development Block Grant (Urban Revitalization Program) funds are approved and ready.
“Guánica will have its new Malecón for the benefit of all,” he said. “This is one of the busiest tourist areas and one of the sectors that most drives the economy of our town, along with the total reconstruction of the public square. This is another project that will fill Guaniqueños and visitors with pride.”
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