Illegal developers beware: The National Technical Secretariat of the Environment Ministry (SETENA) will be visiting all construction sites in the booming northwestern beach town of Tamarindo during the next month.
The announcement came last week, according to the daily La Nacíon, which reported that SETENA planned to review each development’s environmental-impact mitigation plan to be sure permit holders are complying with the requirements.
The decision emerged from a meeting with the Tamarindo Improvement Association, which had expressed concern with the pace and lack of control of area development. The nonprofit group, which has 120 members, advocates for the community at a national level and also organizes trash pick-up and lifeguard services.
According to a recent statement from the association, members hope to “bring Tamarindo and its unchecked growth to the attention of the central government.” They have called for a zoning plan to “guide development in a sustainable and harmonious direction.”
SETENA’s inspection plan will be one of the first steps.
La Nación reported that SETENA will work together with the Municipality of Santa Cruz to inspect ongoing construction, and potentially require the demolition of buildings found out of compliance.
