Housing Project Under Heavy Criticism
One day following the announcement by president Oscar Arias Sanchez of a condominium apartment development for 3.000 families in Patarrá de Desamparados, the phone hasn't stop ringing off the hook, sort of speak, as many are questioning the initiative and the project does not have the necessary permits by the Municipalidad de Desamparados.

The "pequeña Manhattan" (small Manhattan) as it was dubbed by the president, is being sharply critized by Movimiento Liberación legislative deputy, Óscar Núñez, who says this is a direct affront to the Desamparados residents, according to a letter sent to Housing Minister, Fernando Zumbado.

Núñez is a former mayor of Desamparados and is demanding explanations between the developers of the project and the constructions company, Holcing de Costa Rica and Coto y Compañia, respectively, and their financial support for the project.

Núñez says that the project doesn't have provisions for schools, medical services and the road infrastructure to handle the volume of people and vehicles that will be attracted to the development.

In addition, the current mayor, Carlos Padilla, assures that no one has made any application for the development plan or for any construction permits.

"We had no idea. Here, no one has made any request for a building permit nor have has anyone submitted any plans or proposal for solving traffic problems, health and security for the area. I saw it all in the news media. Without a permit no work can begin and it is a sign of disrespect what these people are doing", said Desamparados mayor Padilla.

The mayor added that Desamparados is not prepared to receive an additional 3.000 families.

For his part, Minister Zumbado, he said that the criticism is "absurd and disproportionate".

Núñez added to his comments that "this is only a rush to offer homes fast. But, what happens when flooding and mudslides occur as the land in the area is not secure. What do they believe?"

Núñez, with the support of Padilla, vowed to make sure that the project has all the necessary permits and addresses their concerns before it will be able to move ahead.

"We guarantee that we will not put lives in danger. This deputy (Núñez) is no longer the mayor, something that he is forgetting", said Minister Zumbado.