A step in the right direction
During 2006 and early 2007, the first series of stairs (as documented in the project photographs) were completed, however most of the important sub-projects were stopped. The project was presented to a number of government authorities, but did not attract further funding, nor was public-private cooperation considered a workable option.
Although the new municipal government had requested details about the San Rafael-Unido project to be included in their urban planning, financial support had not been confirmed. The project authors also considered project-managing further elements of the project – however without government approval; this approach was not tenable due to legal barriers and legal risk issues.
In early 2009, funds were made available and work on the project recommenced – the residents’ hopes and patience had been rewarded. The building process has re-started, albeit at a slow rate of progress. The project authors stress the need for patience and creativity with such projects, and ongoing community support.