Cutting number of Salvadoran municipalities could slow public works approvals

The reforms proposed by El Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele that would change the shape of politics in the country prior to the 2024 general election could slow procedures to have municipal works approved. 

The reforms, presented at the beginning of this month, include a proposal to reduce the number of municipalities to 44 from the current 262. 

Article 3 of the law that created the municipal public works department (DOM) states that this body is responsible for identifying the need to carry out works and proceed with their execution in every municipality. 

However, the reduction in the number of municipalities would mean adding another step to have works approved, which would include communication between the mayor of a municipality and the head of the respective district, according to news outlet elsalvador.com. 

“The change we are proposing and presenting is that the district leader communicates with the mayor, and the mayor will send the request to the DOM,” the legal manager of the DOM, María Andino, was quoted as saying in a hearing with lawmakers.

Andino insisted that, despite this additional step, the reform would make the process of carrying out public works more efficient. 

During a speech to lawmakers at the start of June, Bukele presented a package of changes that included a plan to tackle corruption and build a jail to house criminals convicted of corruption, as well as a proposal cutting the number of lawmakers to 60 from 84.

Photo: construction of hospital in San Salvador. (Source: AFP)