| Work Detail |
Following the recent disaster in Bahía Blanca, complaints are growing regarding the lack of completion of 19 key public works projects to mitigate flooding in different parts of the country. According to the Ministry of Public Works Investment Map, 12 of these projects were scheduled for completion this year, while the remaining seven were scheduled for completion between 2023 and 2024. Most of the projects are located in the province of Buenos Aires, while one is in Misiones. The funding needed to complete these projects amounts to $95.521 billion, but the discussion over who should assume the expense remains open. While the national government maintains its policy of tightening public works, prioritizing only certain projects, the mayors of the affected localities insist that the nation must guarantee the funds. Among the municipalities requesting resources are La Matanza, José C. Paz, Malvinas Argentinas, Merlo, San Isidro, San Martín, Pilar, Roque Pérez, and 25 de Mayo. One of the most significant projects is the expansion of the Salado River in the municipalities of Roque Pérez and 25 de Mayo, which aims to reduce the impacts of flooding. This project, classified as a priority by the government, requires an investment of $77.04 billion. However, no funds have been received in 2024, which has paralyzed its progress. In this context, some mayors are targeting the national administration, while others, such as the mayor of 25 de Mayo, are criticizing the provincial government for its lack of response. In Misiones, the most important pending project is the cleanup of the West Branch of the Itá Stream basin in Posadas. This area has experienced increasing flooding due to inadequate drainage infrastructure. Although the required funding amounts to $7.597 billion, the province has received $11.5 billion in emergency water assistance from the national government, with no clarification as to the use of these funds. Other projects include storm drains in various municipalities in Buenos Aires, which are essential for preventing flooding. Four of these projects are in La Matanza, another four in José C. Paz, two in Malvinas Argentinas, two in Pilar, and one each in San Isidro, San Martín, and Merlo. In some cases, municipalities have opted to partially finance the projects with their own resources, but in most districts, work remains on hold. The mayors have focused on the Infrastructure Water Fund, which is funded by 4.3% of fuel tax revenue. In January and February 2025 alone, this fund reportedly received approximately $25.894 billion. However, to date, the national government has not reported how these funds will be used, leaving the reactivation of the works uncertain. |
