Montería urban development and resettlement projects

The city of Montería has initiated urban development and resettlement projects focused on the Sinú River area. Initially, the Colombian government and the Mayor’s Office announced a plan to relocate 430 families from the Playa Brígida settlement to 467 free houses. This relocation aims to move residents out of a 30-meter flood zone to prevent annual flooding risks, with the intention of converting the vacated land into a 3.75-hectare linear park.

Subsequent developments indicate these efforts are part of a broader urban transformation strategy. The city is collaborating with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on the resettlement initiative under the ‘Biodiverciudad’ vision, which includes expanding the Ronda del Sinú to create more green spaces. The IDB noted that this is the first urban project developed under its specific cities program. Specific housing initiatives include the Renacer del Sinú and Villa del Sinú projects.

Infrastructure plans include a 29 billion peso renovation of the Mercado de los 4 Patios, with funding split between the National Tourism Fund (Fontur) and the municipality, and a planned reurbanization of Calle 36 by 2027 to prioritize pedestrian circulation and underground electrical networks.

Looking toward long-term growth, Mayor Hugo Kerguelén García introduced ‘Montería 2040: Green and Biodiversity District.’ This strategic vision aims to manage a projected population increase to approximately 740,000 residents by 2040. The plan focuses on six pillars: regeneration, water management, climate adaptation, additionality and affordability, biodiversity, and positive rurality, utilizing a multi-stage citizen participation process to ensure continuity across government terms.