Chile Inaugurates $3.3 B Coastal Protection Wall in Iquique

The Ministry of Public Works (MOP) and local community officials inaugurated the emergency coastal‑protection wall at Bellavista Beach in Iquique’s historic El Morro neighbourhood on July 3, 2026. The structure, funded with a public investment of 3.307 billion Chilean pesos, is intended to reduce damage from storm surges, improve road safety and support residential and tourist areas.

The ceremony was led by Public Works Sub‑Secretary Nicolás Balmaceda Jimeno and Regional Minister of Public Works Enrique Martínez Arteaga, who highlighted the project’s role in enhancing coastal resilience and urban modernization for residents, athletes and visitors.