By: Ricardo Reyes
This week, Mayor Ernesto Orozco reported the launch of the Metropolitan Police on the 17th of this month. It is necessary to put on the table an issue that deserves our attention and reflection: the undervaluation of the Valledupar Metropolitan Area. Often, this territory takes a backseat to the individual municipalities that comprise it. However, it is time to recognize its potential and the benefits we could obtain by projecting metropolitan offices in key areas.
The Valledupar Metropolitan Area is more than the sum of its parts. It brings together Valledupar, La Paz, Manaure, San Diego and Codazzi, municipalities with a symphony of culture, history and natural resources. However, their voice is often lost in the noise of local agendas and we may be missing out on a great opportunity.
Metropolitan Offices, a path to efficiency. Let’s imagine a scenario where we work together to create metropolitan offices that address common challenges: 1. Metropolitan Agriculture Office: Coordination of agricultural strategies; exchange of knowledge and technologies; promotion of sustainable practices. 2. Metropolitan Transit and Transportation Office: an integrated system that transcends municipal borders; uniform fares, efficient routes and road safety; greater fluidity for public transport, including taxis and SIVA. 3. Metropolitan Fire Department: rapid and coordinated response to emergencies; share resources and capabilities. 4. Metropolitan Tourism and Environment Office: joint promotion of our natural and cultural attractions; environmental conservation as a metropolitan commitment.
Benefits that await us: efficiency of public resources; Less bureaucracy, more action. Higher quality of life: better mobility, security and services. Sustainable development: a comprehensive approach for a prosperous future.
The call to action: there must be a political consensus, mayors must allow themselves to think locally and unite in this Metropolitan vision. Citizen participation is essential, the inhabitants of the metropolitan area must be heard and, finally, relevant legislation is needed, a legal framework that supports these initiatives and guarantees their continuity over time.
In conclusion, the Valledupar Metropolitan Area is a treasure that deserves to be valued and promoted. Together, we can write a new chapter in its history, one in which collaboration and metropolitan vision shine brightly.
