Some critics level to mismanagement within the salt trade as a part of the explanation for La Guajira’s financial instability.
From 1941 to 2002, the nationwide authorities was accountable for the salt mines, first by way of the Financial institution of the Republic and later by way of the Institute of Industrial Growth (IFI).
However Indigenous communities chafed on the federal management. They asserted their rights to the territory and finally struck an settlement with the federal government to create a brand new entity referred to as the Maritime Salt Flats of Manaure (SAMA).
It was conceived as a public-private partnership. The municipal authorities of Manaure holds a 24-percent stake within the firm, whereas three Indigenous associations — the Sumain Ichi, the Waya Wayuu and the Asocharma — handle the remainder.
However within the 20 years because it took management of the salt trade, SAMA has confronted criticism for failing to generate a revenue, even after handing its administration to a non-public operator, the Huge Group.
In accordance with a 2023 resolution from the Constitutional Court docket, SAMA has a debt of greater than $5m. In 2020, staff held a strike that lasted greater than 600 days to demand unpaid wages.
Robinson Ramos, the president of the Sintrasales salt staff union, accused SAMA of not actively producing salt however as an alternative counting on its reserves.
“We fear day by day that the corporate will arrive at some extent that can’t maintain itself,” Ramos stated. “This is able to generate an ideal financial and social impression in our municipality.”
Miguel Epieyu, a Wayuu chief who’s a part of the Sumain Ichi affiliation, additionally famous that the equipment used to course of, clear and transport the salt has fallen into disrepair. The native pier, as an illustration, has collapsed.
He stated the issues started when the federal government turned over the salt vegetation to SAMA. A good portion of the prevailing equipment has not been up to date since 2002.
“There was a transition course of when no upkeep was finished to present infrastructure, together with the washing plant and the pier,” Miguel defined.
“The suitable factor to do could be handy over an energetic trade, not a bunch of junk, ruins and decaying infrastructure.”