Municipal authorities in Río Negro, located in the Los Lagos region, have confirmed that the construction firm responsible for improvements on the Chilchilco creek in the Riachuelo sector has abandoned the project.
The project, designed to mitigate the creek’s significant winter water level rise, was stalled mid-construction. Local officials warn that the unfinished state of the site creates a high risk of flooding, waterlogging, and the potential obstruction of critical evacuation routes.
Mayor Sebastián Cruzat stated that he has formally notified the Ministry of Public Works (MOP), the primary overseer of the project, regarding the status of the site. Beyond the physical safety concerns, the mayor highlighted significant financial fallout for the local community.
“As a municipality, we will join the lawsuit of the neighbors who need to receive their income for the services they provided, whether for food or even wages for some workers,” Cruzat said.
A community left in limbo
Local residents who provided lodging and catering services to the contractor’s crew remain unpaid. The municipality is now preparing to support these individuals in their efforts to recover lost wages and service fees.
An on-site inspection conducted by municipal staff revealed extensive damage to the area. Findings included torn-down fencing, neglected excavation sites filled with debris, and a compromised septic tank. Officials also noted that the current condition of the site poses a direct safety threat to students who use the path daily.
The project now faces a lengthy delay as it enters a formal liquidation process. The municipality confirmed that a new tender must be issued before construction can resume, leaving the neighborhood exposed to the elements in the interim.
Mayor Cruzat promised that the municipality would maintain strict oversight of the site until a new contractor is secured. The local government intends to ensure that the original firm is held accountable for the existing damages and that the community receives regular updates on the bidding process.
