Colombia's Contraloría General Uncovers $5 Billion Irregularities in UNGRD Disaster Contracts

Colombia's Contraloría General has detected significant irregularities in contracts worth $5 billion managed by the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD). These contracts, intended for disaster and calamity projects, have come under scrutiny amidst allegations of corruption and mismanagement.

Why this matters: The detection of irregularities in UNGRD contracts worth $5 billion has significant implications for the management of disaster relief funds and the accountability of government agencies. If left unchecked, such corruption can exacerbate the suffering of vulnerable communities and undermine trust in institutions.

In the upper Guajira region, vulnerable communities are suffering from a lack of basic necessities, such as drinking water. The Amunchinjau community, led by Misael Estrada, exemplifies this struggle. Residents are forced to drink water from a nearby jagüey, which is rapidly drying out, leaving only sea water that is unfit for human consumption.

Yunesca Redondo, a resident of Amunchinjau, expressed frustration over the situation. She claims that tank trucks deliver dirty water from the jagüey instead of clean drinking water, despite promises from politicians. 'The community has been neglected, and their rights, protected only on paper, are being ignored,' she said.

The UNGRD has been accused of mismanaging resources meant for these communities. Former directors Olmedo López and Sneyder Pinilla are alleged to have concentrated resources in Uribia, a municipality of almost 200,000 inhabitants, which has become an electoral stronghold. The Wayú community is outraged, claiming that government aid has been stolen by these officials.

Lucho Gómez, a social leader and former manager appointed by President Gustavo Petro, has denied any involvement in the corruption network. He has called for an investigation into the million-dollar water distribution contracts in La Guajira. Gómez revealed that there were 185 vehicles per day, with daily rates ranging from 1,070,000 to 1,400,000 pesos, amounting to around 200 million pesos per day.

Key figures from the investigation highlight the scale of the problem: $5 billion worth of UNGRD contracts are under scrutiny, 185 vehicles per day were contracted for water distribution in La Guajira, and daily rates ranged from 1,070,000 to 1,400,000 pesos. This resulted in approximately 200 million pesos being spent per day on water distribution contracts. Additionally, 20 more tank cars were contracted for Uribia, followed by 25 more.

The Contraloría General's detection of these irregularities has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. The people of upper Guajira continue to suffer, waiting for compensation for their rights and basic necessities like drinking water.

Key Takeaways

• Colombia's Contraloría General detects $5 billion in irregular contracts by UNGRD.
• Contracts meant for disaster relief and calamity projects are under scrutiny for corruption.
• Vulnerable communities in upper Guajira lack basic necessities like drinking water.
• Former UNGRD directors accused of mismanaging resources, favoring electoral strongholds.
• Investigation reveals exorbitant daily rates for water distribution contracts in La Guajira.