Ovalle Chamber of Commerce warns of persistent informal trade and insecurity

Washington Altamirano, president of the Ovalle Chamber of Commerce, has highlighted a long-standing crisis regarding informal street commerce and public insecurity in Ovalle, Chile. He noted that despite decades of attempts by various local administrations to address the issue, street vendors continue to occupy the city center, often returning immediately after municipal or police inspections.

Altamirano reported a significant decline in formal retail sales since 2019, exacerbated by competition from informal sellers and recent heavy winter rains. He also pointed to social issues in certain areas, including prostitution and crime, stating that current legislative responses remain insufficient to resolve these persistent urban challenges.