Medellín suspends constructions in protected zone; Cuenca halts hospital opening

Authorities in Medellín, Colombia, have suspended four construction projects in the Santa Elena district due to suspected lack of urban licenses. The intervention took place in the Piedras Blancas-Matasano area, a region of high environmental and archaeological importance that includes the Río Nare Protective Forest Reserve. Officials are currently investigating 85 additional buildings for potential regulatory non-compliance and are looking into possible irregular land sales.

In Ecuador, the Cuenca Mayor Municipality has suspended the inauguration of the Baños Municipal Hospital. The decision follows the discovery that the construction and equipment contract lacks the required Provisional Delivery-Reception Act. This document is necessary to verify that all medical equipment is functional and that staff have been properly trained. The $7.5 million project, covering 6,600 square meters, is intended to serve approximately 20,000 residents with 22 beds and various specialized medical services.