Mayor Cabrera agrees to delay El Centro tram work until after the holidays

Tram construction of Calle Gran Colombia. Photo credit: El Tiempo

Cuenca Mayor Marcelo Cabrera says he understands the concerns of business owners in the historic district and has agreed to delay new tram construction work until January. The owners had complained that the work would disrupt Christmas sales which they depend on for a large portion of their annual income.

The delay will apply to work on Gran Colombia.

The city’s transportation department had studied the impact of the delay over the weekend and advised Cabrera that it would cost the city between $1 and $2 million if the project date of July 2016 was to be met. The mayor said it was worth the cost to avoid damaging the businesses.

“I am sympathetic with the concerns of the owners,” Cabrera said. “Although we have a schedule to meet for the train, we also have a responsibility to our neighbors.”