Chile outlines reconstruction plan for flood-hit province

Chile's public works minister Juan Andrés Fontaine said that Loa province in northern Antofagasta region, which was hit heavily by floods in January, will receive 14bn pesos (US$21mn) for reconstruction efforts.

Fontaine said the funds will come from emergency decrees issued by the national government and resources approved by the Antofagasta regional council, according to a public works ministry (MOP) press release.

In total, 9.5bn pesos will be used for road connectivity, 2bn pesos for flood control works at rivers, 2bn pesos for irrigation and 500mn pesos to repair rural potable water systems.

The government plans to invest 60bn pesos to rebuild the entire infrastructure damaged by the January rains in Arica y Parinacota, Tarapacá and Antofagasta regions.

While visiting the area, Fontaine also kicked off the first stage of flood control works at the Jardines del Sur ravine near the city of Antofagasta.

This contract is separate from the reconstruction plan and was awarded to Icafal, entailing the construction of 43 containment walls along the ravine. The walls are part of a 60bn-peso plan that includes works on four ravines and improved flood defenses.