Villena Bridge: between delays in the works and the lack of safety during maintenance

However, according to neighborhood complaints, the situation was not always the same. Just one day before, through social media, residents of the district warned that the area looked neglected, with no security personnel present or visible evidence of the progress of the works.

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Videos shared by residents showed that the meshes installed as a temporary enclosure could be easily moved, allowing anyone to approach areas where the railings remain without their protective panels, creating an obvious risk for passersby.

According to an official publication by the Municipality of Miraflores, the start of renovation and maintenance work on the Villena Rey and Mellizo bridges was announced on March 25. At that time, the municipality reported that both structures had not received maintenance for more than ten years and that the objective was to reinforce pedestrian safety and restore the image of these emblematic spaces in the district.

More than two months after the start of the works, residents consider the progress to be limited. The intervention includes the comprehensive renovation of approximately 690 square meters of structure by replacing the transparent protective panels.

As initially announced, the first stage included the dismantling of the old panels and the progressive installation of new sheets during the first days of April.

However, information obtained by this outlet reveals that the schedule for the acquisition and installation of the new panels differs from what was publicly communicated. On March 24 — one day before the official announcement of the works — the municipality awarded the contract for the acquisition of high-impact acrylic intended for the Villena Rey Bridge for S/244,999.20 to Janet Alice Loayza Palomino.

The businesswoman has been mentioned by local media in Cusco due to her alleged closeness to the Renovación Popular party. Likewise, her mother was prosecuted for crimes of collusion and embezzlement linked to a corruption case that occurred in the region in the early 2000s. According to those publications, both would have actively participated in the party’s political campaigns, even providing vehicles for the transfer of candidates.

The integrated terms of the contracting process indicate that the 120 transparent acrylic sheets had to be delivered within 60 calendar days, which would place the arrival of the material only towards the end of May.

When asked about the hiring of Janet Alice Loayza Palomino, the Municipality of Miraflores rejected any link with the supplier beyond the acquisition process. In a statement sent to this outlet, the municipality stated: “We categorically rule out any type of link — personal or unofficial — with the aforementioned person. The relationship with said person, who was not disqualified by the OECE Tribunal, is limited solely and exclusively to the aforementioned acquisition.”

Likewise, it specified that the process was carried out in accordance with current regulations. “Everything was done respecting the regular channels and the parameters established in the State Contracting Law,” it indicated.

The municipality also highlighted that the businesswoman has an extensive track record as a state supplier and that this is her first contract with the Miraflores municipality. “The aforementioned person has several million soles in state contracts nationwide, and this is the first time she has registered a contract in Miraflores,” it stated.

The situation regarding deadlines for the acquisition of 180 stainless steel angles for the maintenance of the frames supporting the panels was different. This contract, valued at S/160,000, was awarded to the company Multiservis Aglori E.I.R.L., which had a period of only seven calendar days to deliver all the material.

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Residents consulted expressed concern about the pace of the work. Sofía, a resident of Miraflores, stated that the delays affect those who use the bridge daily to get around, as well as tourists and visitors who walk along the boardwalk on weekends.

For his part, Fernando, another resident of the area, considered that the community should show understanding, as the works will contribute to improving the district’s infrastructure and safety.

During a recent session of the Miraflores Municipal Council, councilor Renato Ortiniano conveyed to Mayor Carlos Canales the concerns expressed by residents regarding the progress of the works. In response, the mayor noted that the works aim to restore an infrastructure that had not received maintenance for more than a decade.

“Residents have to remember that this bridge has not been maintained for more than 10 years, and we are doing it. The inconveniences will pass, and by mid-June or by the end of the month, it should be 100% remodeled,” Canales affirmed.

Neighborhood criticisms are not limited to the current appearance of the bridge or traffic difficulties. They also point to the safety of the area. Johann Hudwalcker, a resident of the sector, questioned that the old panels had been removed before having the new elements ready for installation.

Furthermore, he pointed out that the intervention has created areas with poor lighting at night and increased vehicular congestion, due to a lane being restricted in each direction to allow passage for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The entire intervened area has not been protected. On the bridge going from south to north, it seems to me that less than half is covered, while the rest remains exposed to someone falling or even jumping,” he indicated.

In response to these observations, Sergio Tapia, spokesperson for the Municipality of Miraflores, explained that the intervention includes the installation of new solid polycarbonate plates, a material of greater resistance intended to reinforce the safety of the structure.

“We have taken the opportunity to carry out a comprehensive cleaning of all the frames,” Tapia specified.

Likewise, he assured that municipal personnel remain in the area to prevent pedestrians from approaching the sections where the railings remain uncovered, both on the Villena Rey Bridge and the Mellizo Bridge.

“There is a daily impact because we have reduced traffic to one lane, but we permanently have traffic and serenazgo (municipal police) personnel,” the spokesperson stated.

Additionally, the municipality informed El Comercio that the installation of the new panels required a longer period because they were specially manufactured for both bridges, “meeting technical specifications that guarantee their resistance, durability, and safety. High-density polycarbonates are 250 times harder than glass and almost 50 times more impact resistant than acrylic.”

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