Deputy Minister of Tourism Maribel Villalona says that the first phase of the Colonial City facelift will be completed in March. The first phase covers a third of the overall US$30 million IDB-funded project, from Arzobispo Merino and Isabel La Catolica streets on the stretch between the south of Padre Billini street to Arzobispo Portes street. Villalona, who is the general coordinator of the Colonial City Revitalization Program, said that the first phase has taken longer than originally expected because it has served as a pilot plan for the rest of the urban renewal project and new areas were added. She said that archaeological finds had also caused delays. She expects the work on the streets to be finished by the end of this year.