SESIÓN DEL CONCEJO MUNICIPAL DE GUAYAQUIL N.º 190 – 17 DE SEPTIEMBRE DE 2026 #GUAYAQUIL

Introduction to Guayaquil's Municipal Session

Overview of the Session

• The session emphasizes how life in Guayaquil is organized, innovative, and collaborative.

• A rhetorical question is posed about the purpose of attendees' presence at the session, reiterating themes of movement and construction in Guayaquil.

• Greetings are extended to council members and authorities present at the City Hall.

Attendance Confirmation

• Media representatives and citizens are welcomed as part of the regular municipal council meeting.

• The date is confirmed as Thursday, September 17, 2026, marking the 190th ordinary session of the Municipal Council.

• A list of attending council members is provided to establish quorum.

Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes

Discussion on Previous Minutes

• The first agenda item involves reviewing and resolving on minutes from extraordinary session number 189 held on September 10, 2026.

• Councilor Ana Fuentes motions for approval; her motion receives support from fellow councilors.

• The motion passes with majority approval but notes abstentions from two councilors.

Licensing Requests by Council Members

Licensing Requests Overview

• The second agenda item addresses licensing requests submitted by Councilors Yuli Álvarez Lor and Manuel Romero Merchan.

• Councilor Arturo Escala raises concerns regarding ongoing issues affecting city governance due to political circumstances.

Urgent Issues Raised

• Escala highlights a critical situation regarding CERCOP's restrictions impacting necessary infrastructure projects amid an impending natural disaster (El Niño).

• He expresses frustration over logistical challenges faced in securing resources for emergency preparations.

Call for Action Against Political Obstacles

Urgency for Preventive Measures

• Escala calls upon various stakeholders to act against potential flooding disasters in Guayaquil due to political hindrances.

Continued Advocacy

• He pledges to continue advocating for necessary actions during all sessions until solutions are found.

Voting on Licensing Requests

Motion Presentation

• Escala formally motions for approval of licensing requests presented earlier by his colleagues.

Voting Outcome

• The motion receives unanimous support from council members present, leading to its approval.

Second Debate on Traffic Ordinance

Introduction of New Ordinance

• The third agenda item discusses a project regulating traffic fines and fees managed by the Municipal Transit Agency.

Importance of Public Awareness

• Councilor Fabián Espín stresses that remissions benefit citizens rather than personal interests or businesses.

Political Context

• Espín references recent legal troubles faced by the mayor as part of broader political strategies aimed at destabilizing local governance.

Community Impact

• He argues that public dissatisfaction often stems from mismanagement rather than municipal failures.

Commitment to Education Over Punishment

• Espín advocates for educational initiatives over punitive measures within traffic management policies.

Approval of Remissions in Guayaquil

Overview of the Proposal

• The proposal under discussion involves approving remissions related to interests, costs, and surcharges from garage fees for vehicles in retention lots.

• The aim is to assist citizens in settling their obligations and alleviate material conditions for the people of Guayaquil, particularly concerning traffic fines imposed by local agents.

• It is emphasized that these remissions are specifically for municipal fines and not those categorized under the COID.

Benefits for Citizens

• Unlike previous tax forgiveness cases (e.g., Novoa's $90 million), this initiative focuses on benefiting the citizens of Guayaquil.

• Citizens can take advantage of three tiers for accessing these benefits: 100% remission within 30 days, 75% within 60 days, and 50% up to 90 days.

Encouragement to Act Promptly

• Council members encourage immediate action from citizens once the ordinance is approved to benefit from full remission options.

• The first 90 days will allow a complete waiver of penalties, urging citizens to comply with their obligations promptly.

Incentives for Compliance

Mechanisms Proposed

• The ATM aims not only to penalize infractions but also provide mechanisms enabling citizens to regularize their obligations effectively.

• This ordinance does not equate to total debt forgiveness; it specifically addresses accumulated interests and costs that have become unmanageable for many residents.

Empathy Towards Citizens' Situations

• Emphasizing empathy, council members highlight the need for alignment with the economic realities faced by families in Guayaquil who owe money to the Municipal Transit Agency.

• This temporary measure is deemed necessary not just for administrative recovery but also as a means to relieve congestion at vehicle retention centers.

Responsible Governance

Efficient Administration Goals

• The initiative reflects responsible governance aligned with citizen needs, aiming at creating a more efficient municipal administration capable of managing resources effectively.

Support from Council Members

Consensus Among Councilors

• Several council members express support for the motion, recognizing its potential benefits while clarifying that it does not absolve capital debts owed by citizens.

Clarifications on Previous Observations

Addressing Concerns Raised

• Acknowledgment of previous observations made during earlier sessions regarding this proposal has been addressed through collaboration with relevant agencies.

Opportunity for Regularization

Importance of Timely Action

• Councilor Terri Álvarez emphasizes that this ordinance provides an opportunity for many citizens to settle their debts while allowing administration recovery efforts.

Clear Communication on Debt Responsibilities

Distinction Between Capital and Interest Forgiveness

• It's crucial that citizens understand that while interest and surcharges may be waived as incentives, they are still required to pay off their principal debt fully.

Generating Positive Change

Facilitating Compliance

• Providing facilities does not mean neglecting collections; rather it creates incentives encouraging timely payments from residents.

Changing Perceptions about ATM

Rebranding Efforts

• This ordinance aims at changing how ATM is perceived—from merely a punitive entity towards one offering relief opportunities.

Final Remarks on Debt Management

Temporary Nature of Measures

• While beneficial temporarily, it's noted that such measures cannot be permanent; otherwise they risk encouraging ongoing infractions among residents.

Discussion on Contract Efficiency and Public Needs

Immediate Contract Processes

• The efficiency of the CERCO is highlighted, where contracts are processed quickly—one day for submission, the next for signature, and then awarded.

Marginalization of Local Needs

• While immediate contract processing is praised, concerns arise about neglecting the needs of Guayaquil residents who also require attention.

Broader Application of Agility

• Questions are raised regarding why similar agility isn't applied to other essential services like fuel contracts, metro maintenance, or medicine procurement.

Impact of Delayed Contracts on Citizens

Consequences of Political Decisions

• Emphasis on how political decisions affect citizens; when contracts are delayed or rejected, it harms the public rather than just current authorities.

Public Service Implications

• Delays in signing fuel contracts directly impact public works and essential services that rely on heavy machinery.

Understanding Political vs. Public Service Roles

Distinction Between Politics and Services

• A call for understanding that political actions should not interfere with necessary public services; harm done affects Guayaquil's citizens more than politicians.

Media's Role in Accountability

• The media is urged to investigate both sides of issues rather than solely criticizing; acknowledgment that while improvements are needed, progress is being made.

Challenges in Municipal Planning

Financial Constraints

• Highlighting a significant amount (over $60 million) currently paralyzed due to planning delays affecting service delivery to residents.

Temporary Ordinance Benefits

Financial Relief for Citizens

• Introduction of a temporary ordinance aimed at saving citizens approximately $11 million in fines and costs related to traffic violations.

Encouragement for Compliance

• This ordinance provides an opportunity for offenders to regularize their situations without excessive financial burden.

Updates on Fuel Contracts

Recent Developments

• An update indicates that fuel contracts have been awarded recently; this is seen as a positive step towards fulfilling public needs effectively.

Rightful Use of Public Funds

Ownership of Resources

• Emphasizing that funds belong to Guayaquil’s citizens; there’s a strong desire expressed to utilize these resources responsibly for public benefit.

Preparedness Against Natural Disasters

Coordination with Authorities

• Mentioned recent meetings with various governmental bodies regarding preparations for potential severe weather events linked to El Niño phenomenon.

Proactive Measures Before Emergencies

Pre-Investment Phase Activities

• Stressing the importance of preemptive actions such as cleaning drainage systems ahead of expected heavy rains to mitigate flooding risks.

Community Engagement in Environmental Maintenance

Cleaning Initiatives

• Ongoing efforts include intensive cleaning operations in canals where debris has accumulated significantly due to improper waste disposal by residents.

Preventive Measures Against Flooding

Importance of Community Involvement

• Emphasis on the need for community awareness to prevent injuries and fatalities during flooding events.

• A call to the press to document ongoing preventive actions, ensuring transparency and accountability from local officials.

• Highlighting the necessity of community engagement in waste management to prevent blockages in drainage systems.

Waste Management Challenges

• Urging citizens to properly dispose of waste instead of littering, which exacerbates flooding risks.

• Illustrating a recurring issue where cleaned areas are quickly recontaminated by irresponsible disposal practices.

Addressing Flood Risks with Action Plans

Immediate Actions Required

• Stressing that individual responsibility is crucial; neglect can lead to personal property damage during floods.

• Introduction of Councilor Manuel Romero's remarks on preventive action plans initiated in Guayaquil.

Ongoing Cleanup Efforts

• Reporting on recent cleaning operations in rural parishes as part of flood prevention strategies.

• Continuous efforts in vector control through fumigation and rat extermination due to stagnant water issues.

Infrastructure Preparedness

Drainage System Maintenance

• Initiatives underway for cleaning stormwater and sewage systems across various communities ahead of potential flooding.

Community Support Systems

• Coordination with risk management committees for identifying shelters and necessary supplies for flood victims.

Resource Mobilization Challenges

Equipment and Logistics Issues

• Concerns about delays in mobilizing equipment needed for infrastructure repairs due to administrative hurdles.

Optimism for Future Progress

• Expression of hope regarding upcoming improvements in resource allocation and operational efficiency.

Political Context and Governance

Critique of Administrative Processes

• Councilor Arturo Escala comments on the inefficiencies within municipal processes that hinder timely responses.

Recognition of Leadership Efforts

• Acknowledgment from council members regarding the mayor's commitment despite political challenges faced by the administration.

Commitment to Public Health Services

Healthcare Improvements

• Celebrating advancements made at municipal hospitals, including new surgical facilities providing free services.

Accessibility Focus

• Reinforcement of the vision that municipal services should be accessible, emphasizing quality care regardless of financial status.

Community Engagement and Health Initiatives in Guayaquil

Importance of Community Services

• The administration emphasizes the need for health, education, and productive workshops to support families in Guayaquil.

• Acknowledgment of the mayor's efforts in transforming Guayaquil into a welcoming environment that fosters dignity among its residents.

Commitment to Residents' Rights

• Assurance from local leaders that they will always defend the rights of Guayaquil citizens, regardless of challenges faced.

Healthcare Improvements

• Recognition of the Health Department's efforts in reactivating laparoscopic surgery services that had been inactive for years.

• Emphasis on teamwork within the council, highlighting that progress is a collective effort involving all authorities.

Legislative Actions

• Motion regarding an agenda item is supported by council members, indicating active participation in governance.

• Unanimous approval of a motion presented by Councilor Fabián Espín, showcasing collaborative decision-making.

Human Resources Planning

• Introduction of a memorandum concerning updates to human resources planning for fiscal year 2026, reflecting ongoing administrative processes.

Condolences and Community Support

• A moment of silence is observed for Javier Tomalargudo, showing solidarity with colleagues during personal loss.

• Expressions of condolences highlight community bonds and support during difficult times.

Upcoming Events

• Invitation to inaugurate new sports facilities funded by Chelsea Club at 3 PM today, promoting community engagement through sports.