Azuay residents await long-promised repairs to the hazardous Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje road, still plagued by delays.

The Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje road, a vital connection between Azuay and El Oro provinces, remains in a dire state despite repeated promises for improvement. In 2023, the government pledged to address critical issues, but no tangible progress followed. Now, a new $25 million investment, announced in mid-2024, has raised fresh hopes—but residents are skeptical as studies to determine the intervention’s scope have yet to begin.

Dangerous Travel Conditions

Driving along this route demands constant vigilance. Potholes, sinkholes, and falling rocks are common hazards. During the rainy season, these risks are compounded by mudslides and debris, leading to frequent road closures. With approximately 43 critical points identified along the route, it is considered one of the most hazardous roads in southern Ecuador.

The road’s poor condition has been a long-standing issue. “The stretch from Santa Isabel to Pasaje is a disaster,” says Juan Maldonado, a Cuenca resident who frequently travels to El Oro for work. He describes the Jubones desert area as particularly treacherous. “You have to pray your way through it,” he adds.

According to a recent Ministry of Transport and Public Works (MTOP) report, the road faces active subsidence at six points and recurrent rockfalls in one area, making intervention urgent.

Promises Without Progress

In July 2024, the government announced the allocation of $25 million for the road, financed through a World Bank loan of $50 million. Half of this funding is also earmarked for the Molleturo-El Empalme route. At the time, Transport Minister Roberto Luque promised construction would start in early 2025. However, as of January 2025, preliminary studies for the Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje road have not been contracted.

Transport Undersecretary Hugo Vásconez stated that detailed studies of critical areas are essential before beginning repairs. The consultancy to prepare these studies is expected to be awarded in early 2025, with results due by mid-year. Once completed, Vásconez assures, interventions will start immediately.

Planned improvements include:

– Stabilizing slopes at critical points.

– Reconstructing and rehabilitating the pavement.

– Adding new road signage.

Limited Progress So Far

In 2024, the MTOP completed initial work along the route, investing $1.5 million in widening the road, replacing culverts, and addressing select vulnerable areas. However, these efforts have done little to resolve the road’s systemic issues.

Local leaders remain cautiously optimistic. Santa Isabel Mayor Anabel Lalvay emphasized the importance of adhering to the proposed timeline. “We’ve been told they have two years to spend the allocated resources,” she said.

The Root of the Problem

The road’s deterioration stems from a mix of geological challenges and insufficient maintenance. Poorly built reservoirs and water infiltration have destabilized the soil, particularly at kilometer 66 near Santa Isabel, where saturated ground has caused repeated landslides.

While some drainage issues were addressed last year, heavy truck traffic and years of neglect have accelerated the road’s decline.

Residents Demand Action

For the people of Azuay, the Cuenca-Girón-Pasaje road is both a lifeline and a source of frustration. As the rainy season continues, so does the risk of further collapses. With no studies yet underway and memories of unfulfilled promises fresh, residents and local officials are left hoping that this time, the government will follow through.