Cuenca Neighborhood Federation Plans Mobilizations Over Security

Cuenca's neighborhood federation is preparing to put more pressure on city security policy.

The Federación de Barrios de Cuenca says it will support mobilizations in different sectors of the city to demand action on insecurity.

Roberto Mosquera, president of the group, said neighborhood leaders are worried about an increase in robberies, assaults, microtrafficking, and other criminal incidents.

What They Want

Mosquera said the federation wants to send a message that neighborhoods are united and will not let people take away their peace and tranquility.

One of the group's main concerns is the lack of police personnel and the closure of several Community Police Units, known as UPCs.

The federation's current board took office three weeks ago and plans to ask for a place at the city's security technical tables so neighborhood problems can be brought directly into strategy discussions.

Areas Being Flagged

The federation identified Cayambe, the area around the Terminal Terrestre, El Vecino, Hermano Miguel, and Totoracocha as conflict zones.

For expats, the practical point is to watch the specific areas named in this debate if you are renting or moving around the city.

Mosquera also pointed to rental oversight as part of the security conversation, saying residents share responsibility and should know who they rent to.