We all know that there is abject poverty in the world, but for most of us in the United States, the notion of poor slums has some other-worldly quality to it. We know they are there, but we cannot really get our minds around the notion of what it is like to live in ramshackle shacks with open sewers every day. Seeing the Perimetral slums in Cartagena was a striking moment for us, transforming this kind of poverty from a notion to a brutal reality.
Perimetral is made largely Colombians displaced by violience who are looking for a safe place for their families. It is a swampy area, with the most basic of housing and leaking sewers. Despite the conditions, you sensed a hope in the residents of Perimetral. The Colombian government, with some assistance from USAID, is working to improve the conditions in this neighborhood. Significant work has been done to reduce flooding and provide some infrastructure. A housing replacement program has begun, but is off to a slow start. We heard residents thank public officials for the work that has been done, but also call for new housing, safe sewers and educational opportunities. The Perimetral community was presented to us by officials from the U.S. and Colombia as an opportunity for free trade to make a difference for some of the poorest people in the world, through investment in Colombia and the new jobs that come with that investment.
So far, no other event in our visit to Colombia has had more impact on us than the visit to Perimetral, not only because of the conditions, but also because of the contrasting warmth and excitement of the Colombian people in the neighborhood. It is evident that despite the most basic of living conditions, the people of this neighborhood are encouraged that concerns for the safety of their families have been greatly relieved. I know Mike Adams and I (John Herath) will be thinking of our visit to Perimetral as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week.
While in Perimetral, Trade Minister Plata explained the work being done in the neighborhood and the significance of President Uribe's Town Hall meetings.
1 comment:
My family and I are very concerned about the Colombian people and their country as we are parents of two children born in Bogota' and Medellin. It's easy to forget that there are people in the world who live in conditions such as Perimetral. These pictures are a stunning reminder that there are many people in the world living in these same or worse conditions. Thanks for bringing your trip and the pictures to us.
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