The Monument of Reconciliation in El Salvador is taking on a new form as the sculptures have been cast into manhole covers. This unique initiative aims to combat the theft of manhole covers, which pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.
The decision to repurpose the monuments comes after harsh criticism from Salvadorans who deemed the sculptures to be in poor taste and an unnecessary expense by the government of former president Salvador Sánchez Cerén. The removal of the Monument of Reconciliation was promised by President Nayib Bukele Ortez as a symbolic act against corruption. The sculptures were located on Monseñor San Óscar Arnulfo Romero Boulevard in Antiguo Cuscatlán.
The repurposing of the sculptures into manhole covers marks a creative and practical solution to combat the theft of these essential urban infrastructure elements. The move has garnered attention on social media, with images of the new manhole covers being shared by government officials and the Ministry of Public Works.
By transforming the controversial statues into functional and necessary infrastructure, the government is addressing public safety concerns while also repurposing a divisive symbol of the past. This innovative approach could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges with public art and urban infrastructure.