In many developed countries, large public projects often carry price tags in the hundreds of millions, sometimes even billions of dollars. Modern train stations, airports, and urban renewal projects are often celebrated, but they also come with enormous costs.
Against this backdrop, the construction of the new San Miguelito Market in San Salvador tells a very different story—one about efficiency, resource optimization, and getting more with less.
President Nayib Bukele often repeats a phrase that has become emblematic of his administration: “el dinero alcanza cuando nadie roba” (“money is enough when nobody steals”). The expression highlights his government’s emphasis on efficiency and transparency in public spending.
Interestingly, this phrase has resonated beyond El Salvador— some politicians in other Spanish-speaking countries have, on several occasions, repeated it after hearing it from Bukele.
A Market Rebuilt from the Ground Up
After a devastating fire destroyed much of the old San Miguelito Market in 2021, the government of El Salvador decided not to patch up the ruins but to completely rebuild it.
With an investment of $34 million, the country delivered a modern, four-level market covering 45,000 square meters, with 1,040 commercial spaces, a panoramic terrace, elevators, childcare services, and a state-of-the-art fire protection system.
It is important to note that this amount covered only the construction and infrastructure, since the land was already owned by the State. This makes the efficiency of the project even more striking, as every dollar went directly into creating a modern, functional, and well-equipped market.
The Cost Factor: More Value for Every Dollar
In countries considered part of the “First World,” a project of this scale would almost certainly cost several times more. Construction expenses, bureaucracy, and inflated budgets often drive public works into astronomical figures.
By comparison, El Salvador’s ability to deliver a fully modern market of this magnitude for $34 million demonstrates how much the country has advanced in optimizing public investment.
The San Miguelito Market is spacious, well-organized, and equipped with infrastructure that rivals facilities in wealthier nations—yet it was built at a fraction of the cost.
A New Standard for Public Works
The new San Miguelito is more than a commercial center. It represents a new approach to public projects in El Salvador: focusing on efficiency, quality, and durability without unnecessary overspending.
Vendors who worked in the old market have returned to improved conditions, and visitors now experience a cleaner, safer, and more dignified environment.
This achievement shows how El Salvador, despite limited resources compared to larger economies, can deliver projects that are both world-class and cost-effective.
Conclusion: The San Miguelito Market is not just another infrastructure project—it is proof that with good planning and optimized spending, a country can achieve outstanding results without breaking the bank.
While elsewhere similar projects might come with far higher costs, in El Salvador, $34 million was enough to build a market that sets a new standard for the nation.
