CABEI and El Salvador sign US$100 million loan for citizen security program
Through the operation, CABEI expects to improve El Salvador’s economic and social development by means of interventions that promote public security and competitiveness.
Today, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) and the Salvadoran government signed a US$100 million loan, which will be used to make priority investments in infrastructure and basic and specialized police equipment.
This will increase police coverage and citizen security by reducing crime and violence rates through improved operational and response capabilities. The agreement, which was designed to strengthen the "Special Citizen Security Program in El Salvador (PESCES)," seeks to develop the capacities of the National Civil Police with regard to fighting and prosecuting crime through interventions that contribute to criminal investigation, operational capacity and police presence throughout the Salvadoran territory.
CABEI Country Manager for El Salvador, Mr. Raul Castaneda, explained that since 2012 CABEI has funded security programs in El Salvador amounting to US$240.9 million in order to support the reduction of delinquency and violence, problems that affect the country’s economic development, public security and future.
The Program will increase citizen security coverage through the construction, rehabilitation and improvement of police stations, as well as the provision of a vehicle fleet, improved criminal investigation capacities, infrastructure and equipment to increase efficiency and effectiveness in police operations.
It also includes a process to strengthen the skills and knowledge of police personnel in order to contribute to streamlining police effectiveness. Given that the program has national reach, it will benefit 6.4 million Salvadorans; the percentage of women is estimated at 53 percent.
The program is also expected to create 2,665 temporary jobs for construction, rehabilitation and infrastructure improvement activities and 76 new permanent jobs, mainly for personnel for handling specialized equipment; 15 percent of these new jobs will be destined for women.
The CABEI loan has a 20 year term with a 5 year grace period.
