Controversy Surrounding Contracts Awarded by Olmedo López in Jericó during Election Season

In the midst of the election season, the former director of the National Risk Management Unit (Ungrd) Olmedo López Martínez landed in Jericó to deliver two contracts worth $17.138 billion. This visit, which took place on October 23, 2023, has sparked controversy and suspicion due to allegations of corruption surrounding the entity.

The ex-official, who is reportedly on the verge of signing a plea agreement with the Prosecutor’s Office, announced the start of mitigation works that have raised eyebrows and questions about potential political connections. While the local administration claims the projects were necessary and based on technical criteria, others believe they were part of a larger scheme to strengthen political relationships.

One of the main critics of these contracts is Bogotá councilor Daniel Briceño, who questions the timing and political context surrounding the agreements. He points out that the former mayor of Jericó, David Alonso Toro Cadavid, had ties to the controversial politician Julián Bedoya, whose influence has been felt in the municipality and has been linked to scandals involving Ungrd.

Despite the allegations, Toro Cadavid maintains that the contracts were essential for addressing the risks posed by the mountains surrounding Jericó. He explains that the projects were based on technical studies and necessary for the safety of the community. The ex-mayor denies any political influence in the decision-making process and emphasizes the importance of securing funding for vital infrastructure projects.

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 of the region, with coffee beans farmed at high altitudes, result in a delicious and sought-after coffee that is enjoyed by many.

As the investigation into the Ungrd scandal progresses, the residents of Jericó remain hopeful that transparency and accountability will prevail in all future dealings to ensure the well-being and prosperity of their community.