Andina

Peru: U.S. Embassy officials visit Monzon Valley

Presidenta ejecutiva de Devida, Carmen Masías, destaca mejora en las condiciones de vida de los productores agrarios del Valle del Monzón, en la región Huánuco.

12:42 | Huanuco (Huanuco region), Nov. 8.

Senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Peru and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) visited Tingo Maria city and Monzon Valley to explore changes in the area thanks to articulated efforts by Central Government and local authorities.

State-run National Commission for Development and Life without Drugs' (Devida) Head Carmen Masias joined the delegation —led by Chargé d’Affaires Mark Wells— during their two-day visit to several locations.


The contingent reached Palo de Acero population center on Monday morning. Once there, the police described the actions taken to ensure public safety along the valley.


At noon, they met Monzon Mayor Victor Pajuelo, who informed them of public investment projects underway.

Works include the upgrade of a road linking Monzon district with Casma province (Ancash region), the opening of Monzon-Jircan stretch, and the construction of Monzon Bridge in favor of 500 coffee and cacao producing families. 

Pajuelo provided further detail on the progress made in private investment projects, such as the installation of a new telephone infrastructure. He also announced the upcoming construction of Monzon Hospital —a long-awaited initiative in the area.

"We used to see strikes and protests. Now we perceive calm thanks to Devida's support," he told visitors.

Visits continued in the afternoon, thus reaching Shianca and Sachavaca hamlets. 

The support from Devida is one of the anti-drug strategy's cornerstones and has translated into coffee- and cacao-growing projects that offer a legal alternative to coca cultivation.

(END) NDP/LZD/RMB/MVB

Published: 11/8/2017