Quito, June 22 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa has praised the gains made in improving safety and security in the country. Speaking during his weekly television program over the weekend, Correa announced a 25 percent drop in the homicide rate from January to April of this year as compared the same period last year. “This is leading us to becoming one of the safest countries in the region,” said Correa, while adding that rates of other crimes had also dropped considerably.

Robberies have dropped 8.8 percent, home robberies have been reduced by 5.4 percent and car theft by 6.2 percent. Correa also announced that the amount of people killed in traffic accidents had dropped 20 percent for the same period. The reduction in deaths as a result of traffic accidents can be partially attributed to improvements to roads and highways, including better surfacing, sign age and lighting.

The Correa government has made significant investment in road infrastructure, building new highways and improving existing highways. In addition to improving safety, the improved road infrastructure also facilitates the movement of goods and services, helping local producers take their products to market.

The Ecuadorean president inaugurated a new highway in the province of Tungurahua on Thursday. “This work will affiliate the movement of our product to cities and (will help) move our children,” said David Rosero, president of the Agriculturist Association of Cotalo.