Demographics in implementation area
Mamonal is the area of heavy industry established in Cartagena de Indias, and despite being over 35 years old, it continues to grow. Hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in its factories since the Colombian Petroleum Company (Ecopetrol) began the city's large-scale industrialization process in 1957. Currently, 50 large companies operate in the Mamonal area, and more are being set up, such as the Zona Franca La Candelaria, with an investment of 27 million dollars, where around 500 industries will operate, generating 50,000 direct jobs. ref 4.
the neighborhoods around the industries claim that development has not reached their doors. They demand investment. Although large companies drive the economy and spur development, the contrast between the neighborhoods is evident from the access road to the community. The road, which has been pending repair since 2009 following a popular action ruling, has yet to be intervened, despite being a route used by heavy transport and residents of nearby communities. As vehicles pass by, they kick up dust that affects those who live or move through the area. The neighborhood, which began as an informal settlement, now has approximately 5,500 inhabitants in 1,200 homes distributed across its four sectors: Central, Las Flores, Trece, and Chino.
Many residents work informally as motorcycle taxi drivers, street vendors, and in other makeshift jobs. However, some have undergone training and found employment in companies within the industrial zone, which have also supported the sector through their corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Specify primary beneficiaries
On April 3rd, the Establecimiento Público Ambiental led a tree planting and recovery event in the area located at the return leading to the Mamonal road. ref 1
This week, 210 new trees were planted in the Mamonal and Membrillal sectors, supported by companies Etex and AM SAS Mamonal. ref 2
The Establecimiento Público Ambiental, EPA Cartagena, decided to establish a permanent technical committee to address and provide solutions to the requests of communities in the Mamonal sector in response to the threats they face due to pollution generated by some industrial establishments, especially in the Policarpa sector. ref 3