The Inga People of Villagarzón advances in the expansion of ACIMVIP's headquarters

The ACIMVIP Organization, through the leadership of President Carlos López Descanse, the executive committee, and the Authorities, and their constant efforts to bring their strategic plan and Life Plan to fruition, secured the prioritization of the initiative aimed at expanding the ACIMVIP headquarters, which Mandate Three of the Mandate of the Elders Suma Kausangapa recognizes as the space of government of the ten authorities of the Inga People of Villagarzón, located in the Las Villas neighborhood in Villagarzón, Putumayo; a project that faced several setbacks during the previous administration, in addition to the requirements of the DNP, but was finally approved by the Collegiate Body of Administration and Decision (OCAD) in 2019. This important infrastructure initiative was led in its formulation by an interdisciplinary team headed by the Architects Omar Palchucan and David Rodríguez Meneses, who, drawing on their experience and knowledge of traditional design, translated the wishes and thinking of the Inga communities into an innovative architectural design that combines traditional knowledge, carvings, wood, and local materials while complying with the technical standards currently established in Colombia for infrastructure projects.

Thanks to the will of the previous mayor and his term of office, 100% of the requirements were met, enabling the new administration «Unidos de verdad por Villagarzón» to continue the contracting process; subsequently, in August 2020, the Municipal administration of Villagarzón formalised the start of the activities set out in the project through Works Contract No. 438 of 2020.

This important infrastructure work includes the construction and commissioning of a shelter to serve the Inga communities and an auditorium to be named the ROBINSON LOPEZ DESCANSE auditorium, in memory of the renowned human rights defender, whose last mandate and assignment was the climate change coordination of COICA, a native of the Municipality of Villagarzón from the Inga Indigenous Reservation of Chaluayaco, and whose legacy contributed to the real and effective defense of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of the Amazon basin.

It is expected that the contractor will comply strictly with the works contract without excessive delays and with effective optimisation of resources, and that its completion within the execution period will be guaranteed; the works must ensure full functionality for the adequate provision of services.

ACIMVIP headquarters

Photo: Tambo ACIMVIP

On this occasion the executive committee and the Inga authorities members of ACIMVIP, in gratitude for their important work, present well-deserved recognition to the two colleagues and friends of the Inga People OMAR PALCHUCAN AND DAVID RODRIGUEZ, who contributed their professional knowledge to the approval of this important project of great impact for the Inga People of Villagarzón.

The full operation and completion of the second phase of ACIMVIP will benefit 10 Inga communities belonging to ACIMVIP, with a population of 2512 members of the Inga People, who will have modernised facilities for the efficient provision of quality services; its administrative headquarters has been, and will continue to be, the space where important achievements continue to be forged that have contributed to the effective realisation of the strategic plan and the comprehensive Life Plan of the Inga People of Villagarzón and of the Indigenous Peoples of the Department.