No room at the inn for many fire victims

THE MINISTRY of Housing said Wednesday May 22 that several hotels would not accept victims of Monday’s fire on Calle 19 in El Chorillo.

Three hundred and forty people were left homeless after three wooden structure buildings were destroyed. Over 200 firefighters fought the flames.

Ministry official Warren Beití¬a said that the hotels initially said they had vacancies, but then refused to allow the residents to register when they arrived. The hotels are located in the El Chorillo area.
"We are asking businesses in the area to show solidarity with the victims," Beitía said.
The official said that the ministry has always fulfilled its commitments with the hotels during previous disasters.
He said that the ministry will solicit the aid of local representatives to ensure the availability of rooms at hotels, where the victims will be for the next 15 days.
Beitia also rejected the idea that the ministry has not addressed the existing needs in El Chorrillo, as multiple residents claimed after the fire,
Minister Yasmina Pimentel has met with President Ricardo Martinelli and together they are going to develop a comprehensive project in El Chorrillo.
Pimentel said that the plan will reduce overcrowding in the area.