Guatemala: Slow Reconstruction Process Criticized

Guatemala, May 20 (Prensa Latina) The beginning of the raining season in Guatemala raised the tone of the criticism to the local government because of the slowness of the reconstruction works 7 months after the devastating course of Hurricane Stan.

According with data from an audit by Accion Ciudadana organization, presented here this week, reconstruction works goes slowly, particularly dwelling construction for damaged people.

The report published by the local press denounced that more than 8,000 Guatemalan families have not been relocated yet, although the Congress decided to distribute 200,000 dollars for reconstruction of 150 municipalities, but almost 50 percent of them are not in the list of the most affected.

Only 32 percent of the works has been made up to May 15, 13,000 families are without a home, there is lack of water and food, and the situation is getting more serious with the upcoming of the raining season.

Weather predictions said the winter will be intense in Guatemala, and this represents a high risk for the 15 damaged departments.

The National Coordinating Office for Disasters implemented a yellow alert this week in 8 departments in the south and west of the country. tac/car/mmc