Colombian city Cartagena is carrying out the remediation of sewage pipelines and wetlands blocked by sediments, as well as increasing waste collection, the executive director of the city's tourism corporation, María de los Ángeles Barraza, told BNamericas.
"One of our priorities is to recover these pipelines and wetlands that have been clogged by sediments, which leads to the end of natural life in the area," said Barraza.
The city government is also investing in an ambitious plan to remediate environmental damage on beaches and lagoons, as well as to rehabilitate blocked drainage pipelines.
The plan includes the rehabilitation of these natural areas, turning some of them into public spaces.
"We have always said Cartagena is a city that grew with its back to the sea. I think we were so used to having it, we did not give any importance to the sea and we are now trying to look towards it once again," Barraza said.
The government also seeks to improve the quality of all water resources to increase the city's health standards, for local inhabitants as well as for tourists.
WASTE COLLECTION
The city has doubled waste collection in its historic area to improve sanitation standards.
This area is preferred by the thousands of tourists that visit Cartagena every year, and authorities expect to boost the tourism industry by making sure sanitation standards are kept at acceptable levels, Barraza said.
Solid waste in the historic area is collected at night and in the morning during cruise season to avoid garbage in the streets.
The measure was taken not only for aesthetic reasons, but also because the high temperatures contribute to the decomposition of organic waste, provoking bad smells and increasing health risks, she said.
Local government has also taken action to improve solid waste collection in the rest of the city, including areas where tourists do not generally go.
The city's tourism corporation is a public-private entity that seeks to promote this industry in Cartagena. The city is the second most attractive destination for those visiting Colombia, after capital Bogotá. It is also highly attractive to Colombian tourists.
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