Risk Management and Physical-Housing Vulnerabilities in a Historic City Center

Abstract

Objective: To identify threats associated to physical-housing vulnerabilities in Protection Zone No.1, historic city center of Camagüey, which might be managed from Risk Administration, Municipal Housing Office.

Methods: theoretical-documentary method for national and international analysis; systemic-structural method and scientific observation based on interviews to specialists and local residents; and design of tables containing information associated to dangers and risk factors in the habitat.

Main results: Identification of dangers and natural and anthropic risk factors in local homes with economic-financial implications. Detection of hiring insufficiencies in relation to services for repair and construction at the Municipal Housing Office in Camagüey, affecting risk management.

Conclusions: Apparently, since the onset of the first risk management stage _covering the study of the problem and identification of dangers_ in buffering areas covering the World Cultural Heritage Zone in the city, greater efficiency and control was needed from decision-makers of the Housing System in the city of Camagüey. The case study at Protection Zone No.1, revealed the link of these effects to financial expenses and relevant economic impacts, along with a significant relation to the loss of already-built patrimony.