Strong rainfall on the southern coast prevents the progress of temporary works on the Cito-Zarco route, after a socavón at kilometer 189, and the tourism sector reported a low influx of visitors, between 60% and 70%.
The rains recorded in the last hours in Retalhuleu have hindered the construction of a provisional step at kilometer 189 of the Cito-Zarco route, land connection to Quetzaltenango and the Western Altiplano.
The Socavón, which was generated on Wednesday, June 5, forced the authorities to block a lane, so the passage of vehicles is restricted, which prolongs traffic in a key circuit for trade, tourism and passenger transfer, as well as for other productive activities.
The tourist businessman Carlos Rezzio, representative of Guatemagic in Retalhuleu, confirmed that during the past weekend there was an unemployment of 60% to 70% of visitors, associated with the problem of sinking. A recovery is expected once the emerging works are enabled to allow the passage of light and private vehicles next to the undercut.
“The constant rains have not allowed emerging repairs, but we expect a cannula next week to take advantage of it. Machinery, pipe and other inputs are already in the area”
Carlos Rezzio, Guatemagic Representative
He clarified that the passage will be exclusively for small and light vehicles, while the heavy transport of greater tonnage must circulate on National Route 14 (RN-14), connection between Escuintla and Chimaltenango.
We hope that, once the alternate works are enabled, visitors return to the different recreational centers, hotels and restaurants, Rezzio mentioned.
Constant rain
At the point where the emergency intervention on the Cito-Zarco route will be executed, there is already a convoy of the General Directorate of Roads (DGC) of the Ministry of Communications, Infrastructure and Housing (MICIVI), as well as the pipes that will be used to drain the waters of the river.
The constant rains have not allowed emerging repairs, but we expect a cannula next week to take advantage of it. The machinery, the pipe and other inputs are already in the area, said Rezzio, after having managed actions with the MICIVI authorities, district deputies, local authorities of San Felipe Retalhuleu and the new Palmar, as well as with tourist businessmen.
He indicated that, for September, it is planned to begin the expansion work to three lanes on the Cito-Zarco route, of which proposals will arise to intervene at kilometer 189. Among the alternatives the construction of a bridge is contemplated, the reinforcement of the current vaults or the building of new structures.