2024-10-24 20:20:00
UCR Councilor District President Elisa Caffaratti presented a proposal to the Municipality of Córdoba to ensure that the maintenance of green spaces in the city is higher than in other similar municipalities and that there are “overlapping” tasks”.
Cafarati prepared a report in which he said that “the budget is overstated” based on the number of spaces and squares the capital of Córdoba has.
“Under the 2024 budget, the city government has earmarked 22 billion pesos for this task, in addition to the additional resources allocated for this purpose through BioCba, Coys and Tamse. Córdoba’s per capita expenditure compared to other jurisdictions Twice that of cities like Rosario and Santa Fe, and more than ten times that of Mar del Plata,” he explained.
The radical councilor demanded an “effective” conservation plan for the square.
“The care of green spaces is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also directly affects the safety and health of the people of Córdoba. However, over the years we have observed how this money is managed in an opaque way, through contract extensions, only with the bidders Auctions or direct contracts are conducted without going through a proper bidding process, and when they occur, the rules are not clear,” he assured in his speech.
He also referred to the tendering process for maintaining site allocations and asked if some bidders were favoured.
“For example, although eight proposals had been submitted and were being held by the city, the opening of the bid envelopes was delayed twice and a ninth proposal was submitted because the process was not progressing in a timely manner. This raises questions about whether the city is Serious doubts about tilting the playing field in favor of certain bidders,” questioned the activist lawmaker.
Last July, the councilor also presented a draft resolution in which she criticized the acquisition of factories above the value of the city’s small and medium-sized enterprises and the National University of Córdoba (UNC).
At that time, he requested “the purchase of specimens for the reforestation of green areas, with priority given to nurseries in the city of Cordoba and those at the University of North Carolina School of Agricultural Sciences.”
In this new speech, Councilor Cafarati insists that Córdoba needs “an efficient, transparent and well-planned program for the protection of public spaces”.
“What we’re seeing now is exactly the opposite: opaque and disorganized management that ultimately costs our neighbors dearly,” he said.
“We want to take steps to increase transparency in green space management, prioritizing citizen participation and the use of publicly controlled resources,” he said.
According to the information provided, Córdoba’s 2024 budget is close to 22 billion pesos; and Rosario’s, 8 billion pesos.
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Interview with Elisa Caffaratti, UCR Councilor District President of Córdoba
Editor: Good evening, Ms. Caffaratti. Thank you for joining us today to discuss your recent proposal concerning the maintenance of green spaces in Córdoba. To begin, what prompted you to prepare this report on the current state of green space maintenance in our city?
Caffaratti: Good evening, and thank you for having me. My motivation stemmed from observing the increasing neglect of our city’s green spaces and the apparent mismatch between our budget allocations and the actual maintenance activities. I believe that proper care of these areas is essential for the health and safety of our residents.
Editor: You mention that the budget for 2024 allocates 22 billion pesos for green space maintenance in Córdoba. How does this compare to similar cities in Argentina?
Caffaratti: That’s correct. Córdoba’s per capita expenditure is approximately double that of cities like Rosario and Santa Fe, and more than ten times that of Mar del Plata. This discrepancy raises questions about how effectively we are using our resources. We must ensure that our expenditures translate into tangible improvements for our green spaces.
Editor: In your proposal, you referenced concerns about transparency and management of these funds. Can you elaborate on these issues?
Caffaratti: Certainly. Over the years, there have been instances where funds have seemingly been managed in an opaque manner. We regularly see extensions of contracts with certain bidders, and many contracts are awarded without going through proper bidding processes. This raises alarms about accountability and efficiency in how our city manages its resources for green space care.
Editor: You emphasized that the care of green spaces goes beyond aesthetics. Can you explain why this is a crucial issue for the community?
Caffaratti: Absolutely. Green spaces are vital not just for their beauty but for community well-being. They provide a safe environment for recreation, contribute to mental health, and improve air quality. Neglected areas can become safety hazards, and poor maintenance can lead to increased health risks. Therefore, we need an effective conservation plan for our squares and parks, which will ultimately enhance the quality of life for all Cordobans.
Editor: What steps do you envision for implementing a more effective maintenance strategy?
Caffaratti: My proposal includes developing a structured conservation plan that prioritizes regular maintenance, uses results-oriented budget allocations, and improves transparency in the bidding processes. Additionally, I’d like to see collaboration with local organizations and community members, ensuring that we are meeting the needs of our residents.
Editor: Thank you, Ms. Caffaratti, for shedding light on such an important issue in our community. We appreciate your efforts to enhance the green spaces of Córdoba.
Caffaratti: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this matter. It’s time we invest appropriately in our environment for the benefit of all.
For the health and safety of the residents of Córdoba?
Caffaratti: Absolutely. Green spaces are vital for promoting physical activity, reducing pollution, and enhancing mental well-being. Well-maintained parks and plazas provide safe environments for families and children. However, neglecting these areas can lead to increased safety hazards, such as crime or health risks from poorly managed landscapes. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize their upkeep not just for beauty, but for the overall quality of life in our city.
Editor: You mentioned concerns about potential favoritism in the bidding process for maintaining these green spaces. What evidence do you have to support your claims?
Caffaratti: The evidence lies in the procedural delays we’ve witnessed. For instance, despite eight proposals being submitted, the city repeatedly postponed the opening of bid envelopes, which allowed for additional proposals to surface after the deadline. This creates a perception that the process may not be entirely impartial and raises questions as to whether certain bidders are given an unfair advantage.
Editor: What steps do you believe the Municipality should take to ensure a more effective and transparent management of these green spaces?
Caffaratti: Firstly, we need a well-structured conservation plan with clear guidelines and timelines. Additionally, we should prioritize public involvement in the decision-making process to enhance community trust. Ensuring regular audits of expenditures and making the bidding process more transparent will also help in holding those responsible accountable for their actions and results.
Editor: Lastly, what is your vision for Córdoba’s green spaces in the future?
Caffaratti: I envision a city where green spaces are thriving, well-maintained, and accessible to all residents. An efficient and transparent management system will not only improve the aesthetics of our city but will also contribute to the health and safety of Córdoba’s citizens. We need to unite as a community to advocate for better stewardship of our public spaces, ensuring they serve their purpose as integral elements of urban life.
Editor: Thank you, Ms. Caffaratti, for sharing your insights and concerns. It’s clear that maintaining our green spaces is not just about aesthetics but is linked to the well-being of our entire community.
Caffaratti: Thank you for having me. I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this critical issue.
