Octubre 20, 2004
Construction Time
Making my way around Cochabamba on foot, I try to pass through areas that I have not seen in the time that I have been back. Something that grabs my attention is the sheer volume of new construction projects. A spectacular new overpass will be completed soon in the Muyurina neighborhood. There is a brand new bridge near la Recoleta. Plazas are being re-tiled with brand new gardens. Even in the Zona Sud (the poorer part of town), la Avenida Suecia has gone through a remarkable transformation including a new children´s park.
You know what all this construction means?
It is election time!
Something tangible that the ruling party, Nueva Fuerza Republicana (NFR) can leave behind are these examples of concrete and steel. They are looking to extend their stronghold on power another five years.
However, I have adopted the mantra, QSMN. (Quien sea menos NFR) a´la the ABB sentiment present in the U.S. You see, when a ruling party received over 50% of the vote in 1999, it translates to zero opposition in the council.
Many stories run wild concering the NFR´s disregard for ethics. For example, in Cochabamba there is a limit on the height of new buildings that are built. No new building can exceed seven stories. But take a look around, there are obviously new construction projects that are higher than the seven allowed. The NFR-dominated council passed a law that allows buildings to exceed 7 stories, the constructor received the proper permits for the taller buildings, and promptly the council repealed the law. So in essence, a law was bent for the benefit of a select few.
Now, I have no way of proving that and it may be an urban legend, but upon closer glance you can see new projects higher than 7 stories in the process of being built.
If there is one political character that I cannot stand, it is NFR chief Manfred Reyes Villa. A former Army colonel and ex-mayor of Cochabamba, he holds exhoribant wealth. I doubt that the salary of an army official would allow for such extravagance. An electrician who worked for our family, also did some odd jobs in one of Manfred´s houses. The luxury that that man lives in is unique. This was a hotly contested issue in the 2002 Presidential election: Where did Manfred´s money come from?
Finally, as the urban sprawl continues around Cochabamba, more of the countryside, in particular around Sipe Sipe and Vinto continues to receive increased development. Coincidentally, Manfred owns huge properties in these areas. When his fellow party member was the prefect of Cochabamba, all these areas received electric hookups and new roads. Of course, this helped the campesinos in the area, but also increased the value of these properties owned by Manfred. And now, these areas are one of the star lots in the entire department.
Posted by eduardo at Octubre 20, 2004 06:05 PM
Comments
Yeah, NFR is one of the worst examples (or best example?) of urban machine politics. A worse thing couldntn've have happened to a nicer town.
Posted by: Miguel Centellas at Octubre 21, 2004 02:09 PM
The good things is that they are running a lowly 7% in the polls.
Posted by: eduardo at Octubre 21, 2004 02:10 PM
I saw that (above post). Wow. Good. I never liked NFR.
Posted by: Miguel Centellas at Octubre 21, 2004 07:46 PM