Antofagasta Mayor warns of irregular settlements in flood-control ravines

Antofagasta Mayor Sacha Razmilic has raised alarms regarding irregular settlements and camps located within four critical ravines: El Toro, Farellones, Uribe, and Baquedano. Following recent climate emergencies, authorities have noted that these informal occupations pose significant risks to the city's flood control infrastructure.

During a field visit to the Farellones ravine alongside the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and the Directorate of Hydraulic Works (DOH), officials observed that some improvised dwellings are utilizing MOP infrastructure for housing or as sewage discharge points. The Mayor highlighted a complex overlap of institutional responsibilities involving National Assets, the MOP, and the municipality, which has hindered effective maintenance and cleaning.

A multi-sectoral working group has been established to coordinate actions between the municipality, the MOP, and health authorities to address risk reduction, infrastructure maintenance, and the management of these high-risk areas.