The tourism and real estate axis of the Special Economic Zone (ZEE) of La Guaira will be reviewed after the double earthquake of June 24, through geological, soil and structural studies that will determine the conditions for the development of new projects in the eastern strip of the entity.
Marcos Meléndez, the sole authority of the La Guaira Special Economic Zone, reported that a presidential commission is advancing the evaluations to formulate recommendations on the restructuring of the real estate development planned before the earthquake.
The axis extends from the Macuto parish, passing through Caraballeda and Tanaguarena, to Caruao, an area where tourist, commercial and residential investments were planned.
“Following the earthquake, a restructuring of the development of the Special Economic Zone is planned,” Meléndez said.
He specified that the studies involve the Ministries of Planning, Science and Technology and Ecosocialism, as well as the National Superintendency of Special Economic Zones.
The decisions, he indicated, will be made at the highest level once the technical evaluations are completed.
They are evaluating more than 580.000 m2
Before the earthquake, the tourism and real estate axis of the ZEE planned to attract national and international investments for the construction of hotels, restaurants, recreation centers and housing complexes.
Within that scheme, more than 40 plots of land, totaling over 580.000 square meters, were evaluated, mainly outside the first line of the coast, for new low-rise residential developments.
The earthquake forced a review of those forecasts and the incorporation of new criteria associated with the geological characteristics of the territory and earthquake resistance.
Meléndez indicated that the intention is to preserve the tourist and real estate character of the region, but under construction parameters that respond to the results of the new studies.
“We are participating in a series of studies to make recommendations that will allow decisions to be made at the highest level,” he said.
More than 2.700 credits
While future developments are being reviewed, the ZEE reports progress in the recovery of economic activity affected by the earthquake.
Meléndez reported that more than 2.700 loans from public banks have been given to merchants in La Guaira to replenish inventories, furniture and reactivate establishments.
The process began five days after the double earthquake, with a census conducted throughout the territory to identify affected businesses and those that could continue operating.
According to the official, 54% of the surveyed merchants had reopened their businesses a few days after the event.
The first 450 loans were delivered during a visit by the acting president Delcy Rodríguez, and a second delivery was subsequently made.
Meléndez maintained that these financings have made it possible to protect more than 12.000 jobs.
Merchants relocated
Businesses that suffered total loss will be assisted progressively, in parallel with the demolition and clearing of the affected structures.
In the case of the César Nieves shopping center, one of the affected commercial spaces, Meléndez reported that 135 of the 600 merchants have already been relocated.
He explained that the recovery of these establishments will progress according to logistical possibilities, while the priority remains on caring for families and housing recovery.
“The priority will be demolition, clearing of spaces and recovery of the habitat, of housing, to then move on to this new stage which is the commercial area,” he indicated.
ZEE projects towards their reactivation
Despite the damage caused by the earthquake, several projects linked to the EEZ are moving towards their reactivation.
Meléndez reported that the Turkish toy company has already moved its machinery and begun installation work to resume production.
In the case of the Chinese LED screen company, he indicated that work will have to resume after damage to masonry and partition walls.
Regarding the Center for Industry, Technology, and Innovation (CITI), located in Catia La Mar, he assured that the structure itself was undamaged. The damage was concentrated on partition walls, the gate, and other elements which, he stated, have already been repaired.
In addition, he reported that two new investment projects for La Guaira are being evaluated.
The Camurí Mar hotel in Caraballeda, which suffered significant damage, has also resumed operations, while Molinos King World in Catia La Mar continues its activities and Caribbean Café is preparing to resume exports of Venezuelan coffee.
The port of La Guaira, he added, remains operational.
Service providers recover beaches
The economic recovery is also reaching the tourism sector. Meléndez reported that more than 3.000 beach service providers are participating in the rehabilitation efforts at the beaches.
The La Guaira Governorate allocated more than $400.000 in materials for these works, while the service providers receive training through the Ministry of Tourism and a monthly allowance for three months.
The scheme aims to allow workers to maintain income while participating in the recovery of tourist areas.
Camps house 4.000 families
Regarding the families remaining in temporary camps, Meléndez noted that there are approximately 4.000 families, about 12.000 people.
Within these spaces, activities were organized to incorporate family members of the victims into support work, with a special allowance.
The official stated that these measures aim to alleviate the economic situation of households while the housing and productive recovery of La Guaira progresses.
