The Dark Side of China's Infrastructure Ambitions in Colombia

In a tragic turn of events, Manuel Salvador Zapata lost his entire family to a landslide in Dabeiba, Colombia, an area affected by a highway project overseen by a Chinese state company. This incident highlights the often-overlooked consequences of international infrastructure projects and raises questions about accountability and safety.

Key Takeaways

• The construction of the autopista Maru Highway has led to a significant increase in landslides in the region.
• Local communities are often marginalized in favor of international business interests.
• There are serious concerns regarding the construction practices of the Chinese company involved.
• The project has resulted in the destruction of important archaeological sites.

The Tragic Story of Manuel Salvador Zapata

Manuel Salvador Zapata’s life changed forever in 2020 when a landslide buried his wife and children. The landslide occurred in a region where the number of such incidents has more than doubled since 2018. Zapata reflects on the tragedy, stating, “Your destiny is written for you, and you can’t go beyond that.” This sentiment resonates deeply in a community grappling with loss and uncertainty.

The Autopista Maru Highway Project

In 2018, the China Harbor Engineering Company (CCH) began constructing the autopista Maru Highway, a project aimed at connecting Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, to the Caribbean coast. While this project promises progress, it has come at a significant cost to local communities.

• Economic Impact: The highway primarily benefits international trade, particularly imports from China, rather than local agricultural producers.
• Infrastructure Neglect: Local roads remain in disrepair, and communities like Dabeiba feel marginalized as the focus shifts to larger economic interests.

Construction Practices Under Scrutiny

Concerns have been raised about the construction practices employed by CCH. An engineer who worked on the project anonymously reported that excessive dynamite was used, leading to unstable ground and increased landslide risks. This raises critical questions about the safety protocols in place during construction.

• Landslide Incidents: The most significant landslide occurred in 2020, affecting five communities and resulting in over 300 families suffering losses.
• Community Response: Local authorities commissioned studies to address the issue, but many believe these studies failed to identify the root causes of the landslides.

Conflict of Interest and Accountability

The former mayor of Dabeiba, who had business ties to the Chinese company, raises concerns about conflicts of interest. The mayor’s connections to the project have led to skepticism about whether local interests were adequately represented.

• Local Partnerships: The Chinese company’s choice of local partners has been criticized, as it appears to benefit individuals with vested interests rather than the community as a whole.
• Lack of Oversight: Experts argue that there is insufficient oversight of such projects, which can lead to environmental degradation and social injustice.

Cultural and Historical Loss

The highway project has also resulted in the destruction of significant archaeological sites, including burial mounds that date back over 2,600 years. The decision to excavate these sites for construction purposes has been met with outrage from historians and archaeologists alike.

• Irreversible Damage: One-third of the burial mounds have been lost, erasing a vital part of Colombia’s heritage.
• Community Heritage: The artifacts found during excavations are now displayed in a museum, but the site remains closed to the public, further alienating the community from its history.

Conclusion

The story of Manuel Salvador Zapata and the ongoing issues surrounding the autopista Maru Highway project serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and consequences of international infrastructure investments. As Colombia navigates its relationship with foreign entities, it is crucial to ensure that local communities are not only heard but also protected. The future of these communities depends on robust institutional frameworks that prioritize their welfare over external business interests.

In the end, the stakes are high—not just for the past, but for the future of entire communities.