Jaime Polar Paredes, general manager of Summa Gold Corporation, mentions that the recently elected authorities have an immediate challenge: reduce the infrastructure gaps that persist in the country after the ravages of Cyclone Yaku and the torrential rains that still threaten various regions.
The unexpected arrival of Cyclone Yaku revealed the weakness of our infrastructure. Every year thousands of houses, roads, schools and hospitals are affected by these disasters due to the lack of prevention or remodeling work on them, harming the lives of thousands of citizens.
In La Libertad, the economic losses generated by this weather phenomenon – according to the president of the Institute of Economy and Business (IEE), Francisco Huerta Benites – would exceed S / 265 million. Other sources indicate that La Libertad loses approximately S/ 8 million per day after the fall of the Sechín bridge, in Casma, because it prevents a fluid connection between Lima and northern cities. A problem that affects all types of companies in three important regions.
Jaime Polar Paredes, general manager of Summa Gold Corporation, mentions that in addition to the economic losses it has become clear again that the infrastructures throughout our territory are not optimal and the authorities that have assumed their functions at the beginning of this year They have an immediate challenge: reduce the infrastructure gaps that persist in the country.
And the private company is important in this objective?
They are important, without a doubt. If we want to address the problem quickly and more quickly, the input and contribution of many actors is needed. From the private sector, for example, you can contribute jointly through the Works for Taxes (OxI) mechanism. Summa Gold Corporation has resorted to this system to improve the quality of life in the hamlets of Huamachuco.
Is the support of extractive companies vital for local governments?
In fact, 69.5% of the projects awarded and completed by 2022 have benefited important sectors such as education, transportation, sanitation, and security, according to ProInversión. Likewise, the presence of industries such as mining has benefited the regions in which it is present, including Ancash, Arequipa, Cusco, La Libertad, Moquegua, among others.
Is there a need for the authorities to improve the processes for the review of projects?
One of the main challenges that project executors face through OxI is the authorities’ ability to review the technical projects that support the works, as well as the periods required to approve them. The aforementioned results show us very positive efforts, but they must be stimulated and promoted so that the commitment is greater for the benefit of the population.
How do bureaucratic barriers affect the execution of works?
Bureaucratic barriers limit the expediting of works and that is why we must resolve them. Sometimes this occurs because there is a lack of knowledge or understanding in the institutions about how this mechanism works. That is why it is important to strengthen coordination between subnational governments and the central government in order to strengthen efficiency during the development of some works. In the same way, it is necessary to maintain a good synergy between the public and private sectors to achieve the progress that we yearn for as a country.
For his part, Francisco Medina, Manager of Corporate Affairs at Summa Gold Corporation, mentioned that through the Social Responsibility area of the mining company, they responded to the call of the neighboring authorities of the Coigobamba hamlet, in Huamachuco. “We also arrived with machinery to reopen the traffic of vehicles in the hamlet, clean irrigation canals, build a wooden bridge and repair the pipe that supplies water to the hamlet. An effort for the benefit of 600 families, ”he specified.
