City plans a make-over for the Feria Libre market; Trained volunteers needed for Esmeraldas oil spill clean-up; Health Ministry issues dengue fever alert

Cuenca city officials plan a major renovation of the El Arenal market on the city’s west side. The market, commonly known at Feria Libre, is the largest of the city’s eight markets, attracting more than 12,000 shoppers a day. Cuenca Mayor Cristian Zamora says the project will be a “ground-up reconstruction with a goal of attracting even larger crowds.

“This is Cuenca’s major market but, unfortunately, in recent years it has suffered physical neglect and has become a center of crime, mostly relating to the sale of illegal drugs and alcohol,” Zamora said. “This project will remake Feria Libre as a safe and inviting center of commerce.”

The city plans a “ground-up” reconstruction of the Feria Libre market that includes new green areas and playgrounds.

Zamora said the new market will include large green areas, including recreation zones. “This will be a place where families will want to bring their children, to shop and relax,” he said. ““We are already working to eliminate the micro-trafficking and displace the informal vendors outside of the market.”

Last week, the city presented six sketches of the new expanded market, and said it is accepting bids from contractors. “We hope to have construction contracts in place by June with work beginning later in the year,” Zamora said.

Trained volunteers needed for oil spill clean-up
The Environmental Ministry has issued an urgent call for volunteers to help with the oil spill cleanup in the Esmeraldas Estuary Mangrove Wildlife Refuge. “In particular, we request the services of environmental NGOs and individuals trained in biology, veterinary science and the environmental fields,” a ministry spokeswoman said Wednesday. “University students studying in these disciplines are also invited to join the work.”

According to ministry biologists, the flora and fauna in the refuge has been “significantly damaged” as a result of the March 13 rupture of the Trans-Ecuadorian pipeline. Biologists say the immediate objective is to save and protect, birds, monkeys and other wildlife affected by the pollution. Biologist Freddy Orlando, who works as a consultant with the ministry, called the oil spill “an environmental tragedy.”

The ministry said some volunteers are also working on in the coastal areas of Esmeraldas Province, including on beaches that have been closed to the public.

On Wednesday, the ministry reported large fish kills in the Esmeraldas River, in the estuaries and near the mouth of the river on the Pacific Ocean. Commercial and sports fishing has been banned in the area.

Those with the appropriate skills who would like to volunteer are asked to contact the zonal offices of the Ministry of the Environment.

Health Ministry issues dengue fever alert
The Ministry of Health reports that cases of dengue fever have reached “epidemic proportions” in some areas of the country. Although only 10 deaths have been recorded in 2025, the ministry says more than 7,000 people have been infected.

Almost all dengue cases have occurred in Amazon and coastal provinces, with Napo, Orellana and Manabí provinces reporting the most cases.

Undersecretary of Surveillance, Prevention and Epidemiological Control Teresa Aumala warned that cases are expected to rise over the next two to three months due to high levels of rainfall. “Although fatalities are low with dengue, it is a terrible disease because it is so painful to the victims,” she said. “There is a reason it is called ‘bone-breaking’ fever.”

She recommended residents of low-lying areas take such precautions against the mosquito-borne disease by reducing standing water whenever possible and applying insect repellent. She said dengue infections are possible in all areas of Ecuador below 1,700 meters (5,500 feet) elevation.