Everyone has the right to enjoy the beaches, having a drink in the shade of a palm tree while listening to the sound of the waves. That also includes those whose access to the beach is restricted if there is no ramp, whether they are in a wheelchair or simply have limited mobility. With that in mind, the Maritime Land Zone (ZMT – Zona Maritimo Terrestre) department of the Municipality of Hojancha is investing resources to build ramps in Carrillo Beach.
According to Leidy Carrillo, of the ZMT department, the project began in August and has been implemented in phases.
“We are doing it in phases according to economic means. Last year we built access railings to the beach and supports in the surrounding areas. This year we are building stairs and ramps for the handicapped, in addition to railings and supports at the lookout area,” said Carrillo.
Carrillo indicated that the projects are covered by an investment of funds that the government grants through law 6043, which covers the ZMT. The investment totals about ¢20 million ($37,000) annually.
The district is also participating in IMAS’s Manos a la Obra (Hands to Work) project, through which about ten local people are taking charge of keeping the beach clean and have planted more than 5,000 trees.
Access: Carrillo’s Challenge
The syndic who represents the district, Jacinto Cortes, noted that the majority of tourists from other countries and from the central valley arrive through Samara, even though the logical route for tourists who come across the bridge over the Tempisque River headed towards Puerto Carrillo would be to travel through Hojancha.
“There could be several reasons, but one of them is that through Samara the highway is paved, while through Hojancha there is a stretch that is gravel,” said Cortes.
In 2011, Juan Marin, then mayor of Hojancha and now a legislator for the National Liberation Party, paved a stretch of highway from Puerto Carrillo to Lajas. However, the section from Lajas to Hojancha was left unpaved.
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