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The collapse on the Quibdó-Medellín highway reveals the structural racism…
The collapse on the Quibdó-Medellín highway reveals the structural racism of Colombia
Main Ideas
Inequality in road infrastructure:
The lack of a road in good condition limits the economic and social development of Chocó, a region with a majority Afro-descendant population.
This situation contrasts with investments in roads that connect cities in the center of the country.
The Quibdó-Medellín highway, only 215 kilometers long, has been systematically neglected by the Colombian State.
Lack of state response:
The Colombian government has ignored the needs of the communities of Chocó for decades.
No significant investments have been made in the construction and maintenance of the Quibdó-Medellín highway.
The response to the tragedy of the collapse has been late and insufficient.
Structural racism:
This racism manifests itself in the denial of basic rights to Afro-descendant communities, such as access to decent road infrastructure.
The abandonment of the Quibdó-Medellín highway is an example of the structural racism that permeates Colombian society.
The tragedy of the collapse showed the invisibility and contempt towards the populations of Chocó.
Supporting Ideas
Expert analysis of structural racism and its effects on Afro-descendant communities.
Audrey Mena, Afro-Colombian lawyer and deputy general director of the organization ILEX Acción Jurídica:
“Structural and systematic discrimination is manifested flagrantly in the lack of investment in road safety measures and in the absence of adequate road maintenance. As Afro-descendant communities struggle to access quality medical services and education, the path that should be their bridge to opportunity is transformed into a constant danger.”
Testimonies from residents of Chocó who express their frustration at the lack of attention from the government
Data on investment in road infrastructure in Colombia, showing the disparity between regions.
According to the DNP, in the last 10 years $10 billion have been invested in road infrastructure in Colombia, of this figure, only 2% has been allocated to the construction and maintenance of roads in Chocó.
The contrast is evident with other regions of the country, such as Bogotá, which has received 20% of the total investment.
Source of information
El derrumbe en la vía Quibdó-Medellín revela el racismo estructural de Colombia