Notes on Some Economic Aspects of Colombia.

Housing Loans

According to official sources, housing loans in Colombia for the first quarter reached 113 billion pesos, of which 98 billion went to banks, 11 billion to the National Savings Fund, 3 billion to cooperatives and employee funds, and 1 billion to family compensation funds.

Regarding the number of loans granted, the total was 1.495.299, of which 1.259.754 went to banks, 175.714 to the National Savings Fund, 35.014 to cooperatives and employee funds, and 17.178 to family compensation funds.

In the first quarter of last year, the performance was similar, first among banks, then at a considerable distance from the National Savings Fund, and then in smaller amounts from other entities. This demonstrates the truly low contribution of entities other than banks to housing loans, and the relevance of weighting this activity within these entities.

Regarding banks, as of july, according to the entity in charge of supervision, the gross loan portfolio reached 697 billion, of which the housing portfolio represents 117 billion and microcredit, 21 billion. These last two components represent only 20% of the total, and the focus is on the commercial portfolio, with 52% of total resources, followed by consumer loans, with 27%.

Animal drawn Vehicles

According to official sources, a total of 6.958 people own these vehicles in a total of 212 municipalities. Of these, 1.327 are in Valle del Cauca, 690 in Atlántico, 630 in Bolívar, and 557 in Magdalena. Cundinamarca has only 233, Meta 125, Boyacá 115, and Tolima 38, among others.

The number of animals used in these vehicles is also 7.275, of which 1.346 are in Magdalena, 699 in Santander, 658 in Norte de Santander, and 567 in Córdoba. Atlántico has 99, Antioquia has 65, and Cundinamarca has 24, among others. Regarding the number of carts, the total is 7.078, of which 1.331 are in Antioquia, 697 in Santander, 643 in Norte de Santander, 564 in Córdoba, while 186 are in Chocó, 117 in Caldas, 98 in Atlántico, and 24 in Cundinamarca, among others.

Of the owners of animal drawn vehicles, 87% are men and 13% are women. In terms of literacy, 75% of men and 88% of women are literate. Only 50% of men and 41% of women have only basic primary education. 79% of men and 61% of women have been employed in this field for more than six years. The owners earn less than the minimum wage, 68% of men and 62% of women.

On the other hand, the animals used in these vehicles are primarily horses or mares at 81%, followed closely by donkeys at 9% and mules at 3%. Of these, 71% are male and 19% are female. Only 12% of animals have a veterinary medical certificate, and the rest do not. The physical condition of the animals is fair, 74%, and 2% are in good condition.

Regarding the carts, 58% are single axle and 39% are double axle. The predominant material is wood (86%) and other materials (6%). The condition of the cart is good, 64% are in good condition, 28% are in fair condition, and 3% are in poor condition. Regarding ownership with an identification or license plate, 68% do not have one. The material moved by the cart is primarily 23% rubble, 20% from commercial establishments, 11% recyclable material, and 8% hauled goods.

The above presentation was prepared by an official source in accordance with Law 2138 of 2.021, which establishes the target of owners, animals, and carts eligible for animal-drawn vehicle replacement programs. The basic information was provided by the respective municipal governments.

This result provides a deeper understanding of the country's specific socioeconomic aspects, such as the one mentioned above, and the implementation of local and national public policy on this issue, along with the collaboration of the private sector.