Participatory citizenship in Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is one of the treasures of Panama City, and recognized as such with its UNESCO designation of “World Heritage Site.”

The residents of the old city are fighting to maintain its world ranking and are in a battle with the government over the extension of the Cinta Costera and what appears to be a fait accompli with the building of  a concrete by-pass encircling the  area, and carrying four lanes of speeding traffic,  that they believe will lead to the loss of its unique characteristics.

They also face inadequate garbage collection and storage but instead of just complaining, members of the local community group AVACA, have dipped into their pockets and funded the purchase of 50 gallon drums and had them decorated by local artists. Each decorated bin has cost the donor $50, plus a lot of labor of love. It is still a work in progress, and the program is fast approaching its target of 100.

In a bizarre “only in Panama” scenario, the authorities at one stage nixed the idea as the bins were too large. The undecorated rusting bins of the garbage (occasional) collecting authorities are 50 gallons.

The new examples of participatory citizenship have already become the target of tourist cameras.