Quilicura Alcaldesa Halts Avellaneda Real Estate Development After Devastating Floods in Lo Cruzat
The Lo Cruzat neighborhood in Quilicura was one of the areas most affected by the recent heavy rains in central Chile, with around 30 homes completely flooded. In response, the Quilicura mayor, Paulina Bodadilla, has taken decisive action, ordering the paralysis of the Avellaneda real estate project until the company implements proper mitigation measures to address the drainage issues.
According to Mayor Bodadilla, the flooding incident has highlighted the lack of adequate water evacuation measures in the Avellaneda housing complex, which is currently under construction. We have requested a legal ruling to halt the construction until they have a solution. They cannot continue building, the mayor stated in an interview with Radio Universo.
Authorities Point Fingers at Avellaneda
Both the mayor and the regional governor, Claudio Orrego, have pointed to the potential responsibility of the Avellaneda real estate company in this flooding episode. The mayor emphasized the need for all relevant authorities to refrain from granting permits in flood-prone areas, as she believes this issue will continue to occur.
I will do everything I can, even if it has legal costs afterwards, the mayor said, underscoring her determination to halt the Avellaneda project until the company addresses the drainage problems.
Serviu Regional Director Acknowledges Drainage Issues
The regional director of the Serviu (the government’s housing and urban development service), Roberto Acosta, who visited the affected area, acknowledged the drainage problems that contributed to the flooding. Unfortunately, we found a blocked drain, with clogged chambers and drains that are completely collapsed, a situation we had not experienced before, Acosta said in an interview with Radio Cooperativa.
The director further explained that the Lo Cruzat area has always been a low-lying point with a history of flooding, but the level of damage to the homes was unprecedented.
Conclusion
The recent flooding in the Lo Cruzat neighborhood of Quilicura has prompted the local authorities to take a firm stance against the Avellaneda real estate project, which they believe is partly responsible for the disaster. The mayor’s decision to halt the construction until the company addresses the drainage issues is a clear message that the safety and well-being of the community must take priority over development. This incident serves as a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize proper infrastructure and mitigation measures in urban planning, to prevent such devastating consequences in the future.
