The draft coastal promenade for the city of San José de Mayo and the river cleaning plan were presented this Friday at the Cultural Space.
The details of the proposal were provided by Eng. Luis Pedro Mackinnon, president of the company Serviam (in charge of preparing the preliminary project), the Minister of Transportation and Public Works, José Luis Falero and the mayor of San José, Cra. Ana María Bentaberri. The event included authorities and residents of the areas affected by the floods.
The preliminary project proposes a promenade and coastal park from Picada Varela to the Puente Carretero area, with specific infrastructure: roads, parking lots, sidewalks, recreation areas, street furniture and lighting.
The proposal includes the removal of sand sediments and exotic forest from the banks of the San José River that act as “barriers” when there are floods. By cleaning the channel, the aim is to facilitate the flow of water.
Mackinnon pointed out that the preliminary project was generated after a meeting with residents of the areas affected by the floods, concerned about the possible impact of the extension of the double track of Route 3 to Picada Varela. In addition, it was based on the report of the Faculty of Sciences of the University of the Republic, prepared in 2019 at the request of the Municipality of San José.
Likewise, another concern raised by the Executive was addressed to provide for the installation of a bicycle lane on the railway line (without affecting it), from Route 3 in San José de Mayo to Raigón.
For his part, Falero assured that with these measures there will be a significant reduction in the impact of the floods in the departmental capital. The minister managed the possibility of financing the work through the Public Private Participation (PPP) modality.
Finally, Bentaberri thanked Mtop and the company Serviam for “listening to the neighbors” and preparing “a preliminary project that has a pleasant impact on us.”
“It is very important for those affected to be able to start adding proposals,” he said. The mayor highlighted the support of the national government “to bring us closer to a possible solution” that allows “to start dreaming but with our feet on the ground.”
How does the proposed promenade design incorporate elements of flood mitigation while also enhancing the city’s aesthetics and livability?
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: San José de Mayo Flood Mitigation Project
**Host:** Welcome to World Today News. Today, we delve into a crucial project aimed at mitigating the devastating effects of flooding in San José de Mayo. Joining us are two key figures: Eng. Luis Pedro Mackinnon, President of Serviam, the company behind the preliminary project, and Mayor Ana María Bentaberri of San José de Mayo. Thank you both for being here.
**Section 1: Addressing the Flooding Issue**
**Host:** San José de Mayo has faced significant challenges due to flooding in recent years. Eng. Mackinnon, could you elaborate on the specific problems your project aims to address? What were the key concerns raised by residents that informed the project’s design?
**Eng. Mackinnon:**
**Host:** Mayor Bentaberri, how have these flood events impacted the lives of residents in San José de Mayo? Can you share some personal stories or insights into the community’s needs and aspirations regarding this project?
**Mayor Bentaberri:**
**Section 2: The Proposed Solutions: Promenade and River Cleaning**
**Host:** The project features a comprehensive approach, including a coastal promenade and river cleaning plan. Eng. Mackinnon, can you walk us through the key infrastructure elements proposed for the promenade? How will these features enhance the city’s landscape and livability?
**Eng. Mackinnon:**
**Host:** The proposal also emphasizes removing sand sediments and exotic forests from the river banks. How will this cleaning initiative directly contribute to reducing the severity of floods? Are there any potential environmental concerns associated with this process?
**Eng. Mackinnon:**
**Section 3: Collaboration and Financing**
**Host:** This project seems to be a true collaboration between the municipality, the national government, and the private sector. Mayor Bentaberri, how has this partnership fostered a sense of community involvement and territorial ownership?
**Mayor Bentaberri:**
**Host:** Minister Falero has mentioned the possibility of financing the project through a Public Private Participation (PPP) model. Eng. Mackinnon, what are the potential benefits and challenges of this approach for a project of this scale
**Eng. Mackinnon:**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead: The Future of San José de Mayo**
**Host:** Beyond flood mitigation, what long-term benefits do you envision this project bringing to San José de Mayo? How might it contribute to the city’s economic growth, tourism, and overall quality of life?
**Mayor Bentaberri:**
**Host:** Eng. Mackinnon
**Eng. Mackinnon:**
**Host:** Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights on this critical project. This is a hopeful step towards creating a more resilient and vibrant future for San José de Mayo. We look forward to witnessing the project’s progress and its positive impact on the community.
