Piura faces social conflicts and infrastructure management crises

The Piura region in Peru is facing significant administrative and social challenges. The Defensoría del Pueblo has reported 13 social conflicts in the area, with 11 currently active. These disputes involve environmental concerns regarding the ‘El Algarrobo’ mining project, hydrocarbon remediation in La Brea-Negritos, and domestic gas costs in La Tortuga.

Economic experts have highlighted severe management failures, particularly regarding the El Niño phenomenon. Rafael Zacnich of Comex Perú noted that a lack of state prevention has limited economic freedoms. In Piura, approximately 320 public works projects, valued at nearly S/ 3,800 million, remain paralyzed. This is compounded by a technical capacity deficit, with national data suggesting 65% to 70% of municipal officials lack the training to execute projects.

In response to these systemic issues, the Colegio de Economistas de Puno has urged incoming 2027 authorities to prioritize technical expertise and project continuity. They recommend that new officials conduct thorough budgetary and administrative reviews of existing works to prevent the loss of resources and avoid the practice of halting ongoing projects to start new ones.