Leaders in Cuidad de Arce take on first public improvement issue

After initiating organizing at the invitation of Fr. Jose Leon, leaders from St. Rose of Lima Church met with their mayor to press for investment in the highest priority needs.  These were identified through outreach to several thousand families in San Andrés, Conacaste and Lomas De Andalusia, communities where more than 100,000 people live. Leaders are seeking street improvement that provide vital access for farmers to markets in in the city. During rainy seasons, roads are impassable and public transportation is unavailable for people to get to work or markets. The second issue is the need for an overpass over the Pan American Highway which passes through the neighborhood. Several people have been killed crossing the highway to access public transportation or get to their jobs at the nearby sweat shops.

The mayor outlined a proposed solution for the Pan American Highway issue by offering to change the location of the bus stop and asked for leader support. He also committed to reconstruction of the road in Lomas de Andalusia. Leaders will follow up. Fr. Leon has agreed to reach out to pastors serving nine other parishes in his vicariate. New COFOA organizer, Wilmer Hernandez is doing an excellent job supporting some outstanding leaders.