Work on the project recommenced
First elements of the project were completed in 2006/07 but most of the important sub-projects were suspended. Work recommenced in early 2009 – where patience, creativity and community support have paid off.
Last updated: October 15, 2010 Caracas, Venezuela
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.
Replicating the concept
The project authors have continued to work on simpler projects in other “barrios”, and consider that it is both possible and critical to improve the conditions within informal settlements. Future initiatives are less broad in scope, are more concrete in terms of project elements, and commence construction at the earliest phase possible.