📋 Tender Overview
- There was an absence of professionals in geotechnics, hydrogeology and the environment. Necessary instruments such as compasses, magnifying glasses, professional cameras, computers, drones,The Comptroller Generals Office alerted the Ministry of Culture (Mincul) that the failure to hire all key specialists and purchase essential equipment for the implementation of the Archaeological and Interdisciplinary Intervention Program of the Kuelap Complex (PRIAK 2024-2029), could affect the structural stability, heritage conservation and natural environment of the pre-Inca archaeological site, which is registered on the list of UNESCO as a candidate for World Heritage.
The control commission indicated that the incorporation of professionals in geotechnics, hydrogeology and the environment is a priority, whose functions are decisive for the comprehensive diagnosis of risks and the formulation of mitigation measures aimed at the conservation and recovery of the Llaqta de Kuelap. It should be noted that currently, PRIAK has a significant number of operational personnel (especially operators and assistants) and some essential professionals.
In a supervision visit to Llaqta on August 26 and 27, for example, the felling of trees and the extraction of plants was verified with the aim of reducing risks to pre-Inca structures. However, this action was carried out without having the person responsible for the environmental study and the respective environmental diagnosis, which could affect protected and endangered flora and fauna species.
In the Control Visit Report No. 020-2025-OCI/5765-SVC, which covered the period from August 25 to August 29, 2025, it was also noted that only 4% of the computer and technological equipment essential for the execution of the PRIAK has been acquired, which reveals the operational limitations for the development of the archaeological and spatial analyzes planned for the study of said heritage.
Among the necessary instruments missing are scales, compasses, GPS, geologists magnifying glass, professional cameras, laptop and desktop computers, drones, radio transceivers, reflective tape, among others. During the physical inspection of the archaeological complex, it was verified that the equipment used belongs to each locator, while the program only has removable memories that function as a backup.
In October 2024, the Ministry of Culture authorized the execution of the Archaeological and Interdisciplinary Research Program of the Kuelap Monumental Archaeological Complex (PRIAK 2024 - 2029) and a budget of S/ 6 million was assigned for the work in 2025.
Improper storage
On the other hand, the control commission verified deficiencies in the environment conditioned by the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Amazonas (DDC) located in Chachapoyas to store the cultural assets of Kuelap, since it does not have a roof and the assets are exposed to dust, humidity and climatic changes. There were even incidents due to the entry of animals such as rodents, cats and others, as well as due to rain leaks.
In addition, materials and tools from different projects, as well as flammable chemicals, were found in said environment. There are also some electrical installations with exposed connections, failures in the application of conservation measures for goods and inadequate control without traceability of the goods that are transferred from the program camp to the cabinet located in the DDC.
The results of the control report were notified to the head of the Ministry of Culture so that the corresponding corrective actions can be taken to ensure the achievement of the objectives of the archaeological intervention project.
Citizens can access said report through the Control Report Search engine and the portal www.gob.pe/contraloria.
FACT:
- PRIAK 2024-2029 has two components, one for conservation in 28 points of the Llaqta de Kuelap and another for archaeological research in 16 areas of the monumental archaeological complex.
Infographic link: Conservation and research work at the Kuelap Archaeological Complex at risk due to lack of key specialists and essential equipment
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Lima, October 10, 2025
Communications Management
PRESS RELEASE Ndeg 855-2025-CG/GCOM
