The Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced on March 13 that it is working with local authorities and decentralized autonomous governments to keep the state road network operational in southern Ecuador following damage caused by heavy rains.
This coordination aims to ensure connectivity and safe mobility for road users, as several strategic corridors have been affected by landslides and closures. Among the impacted routes is the Cariamanga – Sozoranga – Macará (E69) highway, where landslides have occurred in sectors such as Manche, Utuana, Punta de Piedra, and Pénjamo.
To address these emergencies, the ministry has deployed technical staff and machinery including backhoes and dump trucks for cleaning operations along the Cariamanga – Sozoranga stretch. A front loader has also been sent to reinforce efforts to remove debris from the roadway. These actions are being carried out jointly with the Sozoranga local government, particularly on the Sozoranga – Macará segment.
Additionally, through an inter-institutional agreement, landslide removal is underway on Binational Road Axis II between Puente Puyango and “Y” de Balsones – Pindal, supported by the Puyango local government. Work is focused mainly in Cochurco, Chirimoyo, and surrounding areas to restore vehicle circulation.
Efforts are also ongoing on other key roads such as El Empalme – Celica – Alamor (E68), where a front loader, mini-loader, and dump truck are being used to reopen this important corridor connecting southwestern Loja province. To reestablish connectivity between Loja and El Oro provinces, crews are clearing landslides on Chaguarpamba – Río Pindo (E50) using a front loader and dump truck in sectors like Guaduas (Tintanil hill) and El Doblado.
“These actions respond to our institutional commitment to keep the state network operational. We work in coordination with local governments to promptly address emergencies caused by the rainy season,” said Edwin Duque, Zonal Subsecretary 7.
With these interventions, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport reiterates its commitment to collaborate with regional governments by pooling resources for rapid emergency response and ensuring public mobility.
