Author: Natalia Trujillo Varela
Parking controls for illegal storage activities in Armenia.
The Government Secretariat will intensify controls and permanently seal parking lots that do not comply with the rules.
Parking lots in Armenia have been subject to inspections by the Secretariat of Government and Coexistence, due to activities not permitted in the use of land for commercial activity.
The most worrying situation found by officials is the use of these places for the storage of perishable products – fruits and vegetables -, which must be kept in adequate conditions to avoid deterioration.
“It is serious to find that these foods, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and seafood, are not being stored properly, which represents a risk to public health,” explained Jorge Andrés Buitrago Moncaleano, Secretary of Government and Coexistence of Armenia.
The inspection operations are based on Law 1801 of 2016, specifically on Article 92, paragraph 16, which penalizes the development of economic activities without complying with legal requirements. These behaviors affect security, tranquility, the environment and public health.
“We cannot allow the health of people who buy these products on the street to be put at risk, since they do not comply with hygiene and health standards,” added Buitrago Moncaleano.
Last week, the Government Secretariat, together with the Police, sealed two establishments for operating without legal documentation. So far this year, 45 establishments have been closed and sanctions have been imposed, such as the temporary suspension of activities for eight days.
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“We will continue to intervene in these establishments and parking lots. All of them must have human safety, health, and Chamber of Commerce certificates and comply with the corresponding land use,” emphasized Buitrago Moncaleano.
The secretary said that inspections and closures of parking lots that encourage illegality and non-compliance with the law will continue.
These measures aim to ensure that parking lot owners and managers comply with the legal documentation to provide vehicle parking services, contributing to the mobility of citizens.
Corrective actions, such as the suspension of activities due to non-compliance with land use, will continue to apply. These measures also seek to prevent elements from illegally occupying public space, allowing free mobility of people.
Since December of last year, these actions have left three officials injured, including the Secretary of Government and two cohabitation managers, in their efforts to enforce the law.
The problem has persisted since 2020, despite fines and temporary suspensions of activities. This year, the number of sealed parking spaces shows the need to continue with institutional visits and the call to citizens to verify the origin of the food they buy.
