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Original article: Parque Cerro Chena en la incertidumbre: Proyecto de más de US$50 millones de inversión aún no tiene recursos asegurados para su operación y mantención

This week, a meeting chaired by Metropolitan Governor Claudio Orrego was held to discuss the uncertainty surrounding Cerro Chena Park, a 55-hectare project with over $50 million in investment that currently lacks secured funding for its maintenance and operation.

The gathering included San Bernardo Mayor Cristopher White; Calera de Tango Mayor Hortensia Mora; the Bishop of San Bernardo, Monsignor Juan Ignacio González Errázuriz; Deputy Marisela Santibáñez; Deputy Ignacio Achurra; and various other representatives and local authorities.

Orrego highlighted that the park’s operation will require nearly $500 million monthly, of which only $120 million is allocated for security. He expressed concern that despite previous efforts, no solution has been found to ensure the park’s operational viability.

«It is unacceptable that the second major green lung of the Metropolitan Region, with an investment exceeding $50 billion and over 90% completion, is at risk because the government has decided not to take responsibility for its maintenance,» stated the Metropolitan Governor.

«We urge the government to reconsider this decision and fulfill the commitment made to the residents of our region. Cerro Chena is a longstanding demand; it represents a territorial and environmental justice for millions of people,» Orrego emphasized.

In light of this situation, Deputy Santibáñez raised questions by stating, «Today, when it could be a reality by September, those from Parquemet have been removed from discussions since March, and the central government is now saying they will eliminate the budget for security and maintenance. Without that, the park cannot function.»

«This violates the Budget Law, which I was part of voting on and discussing, therefore we bear significant responsibility. Unfortunately, Minister Poduje has not met with the authorities, which we consider deeply undemocratic,» the legislator added.

The parliamentarian reminded attendees that this initiative benefits not only San Bernardo but also Calera de Tango and the entire Maipo province, urging prioritization of dialogue: «We are talking about maintenance costs of approximately $500 million, of which $120 million is just for security; this isn’t a treasure of the Republic that we need for such a long-awaited benefit for the citizens.»

«There is a fight that is hard to understand because there is no dialogue, and when there is no dialogue, conflicts remain unresolved. It is Minister Poduje who needs to respond. The current call is for everyone, including government deputies, to come together,» the independent legislator insisted.

Actions in Congress

After the meeting, Deputy Santibáñez announced plans to address the situation of Cerro Chena Park in various committees within the Chamber: «Mayor Hortensia Mora will be welcomed in the Family Committee due to the impact on citizens. Mayor Cristopher White deserves that platform in the Citizen Security Committee. I hope to have the support of all the deputies,» she stated.

We will continue to provide updates.

La entrada Cerro Chena Park in Jeopardy: Over $50 Million Investment Lacks Secured Operating Funds se publicó primero en El Ciudadano.