Controversy Surrounding Contracts Awarded by Former UNGRD Director in Jericó

In the midst of the electoral season, the former director of the National Risk Management Unit (Ungrd), Olmedo López Martínez, made a significant appearance in Jericó, delivering two contracts worth $17.138 billion. This visit, which took place on October 23, 2023, has sparked controversy due to the ongoing corruption allegations surrounding the entity.

The announcement of the commencement of mitigation works by López has raised suspicions and drawn attention to the alleged corrupt practices within the Ungrd. While the local administration in Jericó claims that the projects were necessary and based on technical criteria, others believe that they were part of a larger scheme to foster political relationships.

One of the main critics of these contracts is Bogotá councilor Daniel Briceño Montes, who questions the timing and political context in which they were awarded. He highlights the connections between the former mayor of Jericó, David Alonso Toro Cadavid, and the political group led by ex-senator Julián Bedoya, who has been implicated in various scandals involving the Ungrd.

Despite the allegations, Toro defends the contracts, stating that they were essential for mitigating the risks posed by the unstable mountains surrounding Jericó. He emphasizes the technical necessity of the projects and denies any political influence in the decision-making process.

While the controversy surrounding these contracts continues to unfold, it’s important to note that Jericó is also known for being the home of the Milagrosa Single Estate, where premium specialty coffee is produced. The ideal conditions at an altitude of 2000 meters result in delicious and sweet coffee beans that are highly sought after in the specialty coffee market.

As the investigation into the Ungrd scandal progresses, the residents of Jericó are left to ponder the implications of these contracts and the potential impact on their community. The intersection of politics, corruption, and public works projects serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by local governments in ensuring transparency and accountability in their decision-making processes.