Bolivian government, SOBOCE and communities inaugurate joint works in Tiwanaku

The remodeling works of the main plaza and the first phase of excavation and conservation of the Akapana pyramid were inaugurated in a ceremony in Tiwanaku. Both activities are part of the "Culture for Development" project which is backed by the Andean Development Corporation (CAF), Sociedad Boliviana de Cemento S.A. (SOBOCE), the Tiwanaku local government, the Social and Territorial Support Fund (FAST) and the Vice Ministry of Culture.

As part of the "Culture for Development" program, remodeling works of the main plaza, and first phase of excavation and conservation of the Akapana pyramid were inaugurated in Tiwanaku.

The ceremony took place in the presence of Economic Development Minister Horst Grebe; Tiwanaku Mayor Jorge Quispe; authorities of Ingavi province; SOBOCE President Samuel Doria Medina; CAF representative in Bolivia José Carrera; and authorities from the Vice Ministry of Culture.

The works, which were completed on schedule, showed the interest of the institutions involved in promoting a project conceived to revitalize cultural identity, stimulate economic development, generate employment, and promote conditions to enhance the quality of life of the inhabitants of this important region of Bolivia.

Cultural and economic development

CAF representative in Bolivia José Carrera said that the project was a response to the central objectives of human development, strengthening of cultural identity, social participation, economic development and combating poverty.

The CAF official said it was a new example of the importance of uniting forces from various entities to achieve social objectives. In this case, the joint contributions were from private enterprise (SOBOCE), international cooperation (CAF), the Bolivian government (Ministry of Economic Development), and the Tiwanaku local government and communities.

Carrera explained that the cooperation scheme is already operating successfully in the communities of San Cristóbal, Vila Vila, Culpina K and Villa Alota in Potosí, which have become areas of reference on the Uyuni tourist circuit. These previously neglected localities now offer high quality tourists services that even include the Internet. With the scheme, the communities receive income, revalue their culture and traditions, and generate jobs, counteracting the need for emigration to the cities in search of better opportunities. For this area of development, the CAF offers real projects in execution and not only studies.

Revaluing cultural heritage

SOBOCE President Samuel Doria Medina said that "in times when the economy is going through moments of instability, the revaluation of cultural heritage as a basis for economic development becomes a strategic decision."

"Tourism is the largest generator of foreign exchange and one of the best options that people have for combating poverty, especially when they have cultural and archaeological riches," Doria Medina said, referring to the stimulus that SOBOCE is giving with the "Culture for Development" concept. The business leader believes the project being executed in Tiwanaku will increase the number of tourists and the income from tourism that the region receives.

"Visitors to our web page www.soboce.com will find a window named “Social Support Projects,” with information on all the technical-administrative activities, work progress reports, economic movements and other topics related to the Culture for Development project, updated each week," Doria Medina said.

Plaza remodeled

The remodeling works of the Tiwanaku Plaza included red granite stoning, building of stairways to the plaza and the kiosk, along with drainage and lighting systems. The curbs and sidewalks were also faced in stone, while the central structure and entry columns were painted in tiwanacota stone color.

With an area of 4,030 square meters, the plaza is a meeting point for people and visitors. The design was by Bolivian artist Gastón Ugalde who achieved complete harmony with the local architecture, recovering the historical and architectural values of the culture that flourished in the area.

The remodeling of the main plaza of Tiwanaku was supplemented with other beautification works, such as the "Marcas" mega sculptures at the entrance to the locality. In all these works, Ugalde has recovered the identity and monumental imprint of the Tiwanaku world famous archaeological site.

Excavation of Akapana pyramid

The first phase of the excavations to recover the Akapana pyramid was successfully completed in four sectors: east, northwest, north and west. In the east sector, the excavations were expanded; in the north, supplementary stabilization works were executed in the area adjacent to wall 2 in preparation for the earthworks for the new excavations in future seasons. In the northwest, a wall was opened in north-south direction to complete the work already executed. In the west, conservation work was done on the access stairways to Akapana.

These initiatives are intended to recover the pyramid´s original shape and architectural beauty. By revaluing the historical, cultural, archaeological and architectural heritage of Tiwanaku, the works will create incentives for tourist activity, generating more sources of employment and improving the living conditions of the people of the region.

Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002, Tiwanaku is one of the most important tourist sites in Bolivia. Its main attractions are the archaeological site of the ancient capital, with the semi-subterranean Kalasasaya shrine, the Akapana and Puma Punku pyramids, two museums and the Tiwanaku temple.