Social conflict in Arequipa and opposition to a hydroelectric plant on the Chili River

Just a year ago, a megawatt of electricity cost $35. However, in a surprising twist, its price has seen a staggering rise and is now over $170. This increase has a direct impact on consumers’ pockets and the economy in general. The causes, the high costs of energy production. The electricity generation It is based on a combination of sources, including renewable energy such as hydroelectric, solar and wind, as well as non-renewable sources such as gas and oil. The difference is in the cost.

Moving a turbine with water costs three, starting a diesel engine ten. However, several hydroelectric projects failed due to opposition from the populations in areas of influence. The reluctance is based on legitimate concerns about environmental and social impact, but also on misunderstanding and misinformation. This seems to be the case of the future Charcani VII hydroelectric plant in the city of Arequipa. It is being built by the Electrical Generation Company (Egasa). This project aims to take advantage of the waters of the Chili River to generate 20 megawatts. That amount of energy could satisfy the needs of 350,000 inhabitants. The flow of Chili The Charcani VI turbine will ascend through a tunnel towards the Las Rocas park, (Alto Selva Alegre). This fall into the river will be used to generate energy. The project has all legal permits except for a specific plan that depends on the Municipality of Arequipa. There “the dream of the righteous” has been sleeping for 1,200 days.

The impact on a forest

We have arrived at the Los hacienda Chillina forests, on the banks of the Chili River. This property belongs to Carlos Ortiz de Zevallos, a business administrator who has promoted real estate projects with an ecological focus. It’s noon, a breeze coming from the river softens the ambient heat. Young people in boats venture into the foamy waters of the Chili. The molles and fruit trees are carefully pruned. The forest extends for 15 hectares. There are perfect stone terraces. “They want to destroy all this,” he complains. Initially, the businessman proposed developing a country club, he abandoned the idea and is now looking to sell the forest to turn it into a public space and a green lung. At the head of the property, part of the components of the hydroelectric plant are planned, including the power house and a reservoir.

These works will involve the elimination of an intake from which water is captured from the river for irrigation of the forest. They have already sent him a document announcing the expropriation of the area and that an appraisal will define the price. The businessman has counted almost 5,000 trees on his property and fears that all these plantations will dry up. Ortiz de Zevallos expresses other concerns, especially regarding the construction phase of the project.

The work involves the excavation of a tunnel to divert water towards the park, which will require the removal of soil and rocks along 5 kilometers of viaduct. Where will the debris go? she asks. Despite this, the businessman is willing to start a dialogue and find ways out. But the forest cannot remain without water. To this medium, Egasa has promised that they will make another channel for that property.

Architects War

The College of Architects of Arequipa has adopted a critical position on the project. The dean, Juan Francisco Melgar, maintains that it is a meaningless and potentially illegal work. According to his statements, the project threatens to destroy the Las Rocas park, which is a protected natural area. The landscape of the park is notable due to its uniqueness. It houses flora and fauna of the deserts, as well as geological formations resulting from volcanic eruptions in Arequipa. Despite being a paradisiacal place, in recent years, it has suffered reductions due to unplanned urban expansion and the exploitation of construction materials.

It has more than 200 hectares and Egasa will use less than one for its project. Exactly this company, municipality of Alto Selva Alegre and Santiago Delgado They proposed a specific plan to better manage this territory. The architects consider that this instrument, the last one needed to start the work, is illegal and has not been debated.

During the administration of Omar Candia, the Municipal Planning Institute (Impla), an autonomous body attached to the municipality, granted viability, but Diván had the last word. Lawyer Jorge Sumari Buendía maintains that what Arce Paredes did is irregular. He cannot reverse a procedure that is in progress. It was up to the councilors to rule on the feasibility and make observations, says Sumari.

When asked why he made that decision, Arce explained that he took into account the opinion that falls to the full councilors. Surprisingly, the municipal manager, Augusto Arce Paredes, of the current management, returned the file to Impla, now under the direction of Víctor nión of the College of Architects who considers this project to be harmful. For Arce, it is appropriate for the new manager to carry out an exhaustive review of the file, taking into consideration all the observations made by the professionals. “My responsibility as municipal manager is to send the technical file so that, with a report duly supported and supported by technical analysis, they can issue their opinions,” Arce said.

More observations The College of Architects assures that in the area there are vestiges of the ancient Arequipeños and they will be destroyed. Although the Ministry of Culture issued a certificate indicating the non-existence of archaeological remains. At least in the area where work will be done. The dean of Architects also does not trust the environmental impact study approved by the Ministry of Energy and Mines, since it does not specify how environmental damage will be repaired. He affirms that the area is intangible, although the Ministry of Culture does not agree with that thesis.