The construction of ditches in the northern border have generated protests

The inhabitants of the cerro Troya sector have presented complaints for  the delimitation in that area, where  large ditches are being trenched  on the border crossings between Ecuador and Colombia, in sections that correspond to the municipalities of Tulcan and Ipiales (Colombia), in order to put an end to the smuggling between the two countries.

This action would ratify the delimitation of territory in this sector, where in the year of 2000 the inhabitants of the parish Urbina did not allow that new landmarks agreed and placed  by the two Governments.

In the month of November of that year, a villager of the sector, which was hired by the Colombian Government, led the construction of six new milestones between Troya and La Quinta hills, then the first site with the new delimitation became part of Colombia, despite the fact that it is currently used by public and private companies from Ecuador.

However, three of these landmarks were destroyed a few days later of their construction, and the remains still can be seen in the Ecuadorian side. This happened because some Urbina inhabitants complained about the loss of 40 to 50 hectares of Ecuadorian land with the placement of the landmarks in La Quinta and Troy hills.

“Several times we have tried to clarify what the real limits between Ecuador and Colombia, and  ten years ago it was established down the antenna and passing through the Gorge of Oso, and 400 meters below is the boundary, however, look at how we have hurt ourselves,” said Pablo Morillo, inhabitant of the sector La Gruta de Fatima, a community located in the foothills of the Troy Hill.

 Morillo said that by obstructing this way, Ecuador would take that border with Colombia for granted.