Last weekend, the Minister of Public Works, Jessica López, arrived at the Cachapoal River bed to verify on-site the work that heavy machinery, provided by Codelco División El Teniente, is carrying out in the Monte Grande sector, in the municipality of Coltauco.

The Secretary of State was accompanied by the Division's Manager of Sustainability and External Affairs, Germán Sandoval, as well as the regional minister of the portfolio, María de los Ángeles Latorre, the presidential delegate Fabio López, Governor Pablo Silva, the mayor of Coltauco Félix Sánchez and parliamentarians from the area.

“We came to inspect the works to protect the riverbank, which overflowed and significantly affected the city of Coltauco, its inhabitants and its agricultural activity,” said López. “We especially thank Codelco, a state-owned company, a source of pride for all Chileans, who have provided machinery to work on the safety of the riverbed.”

The presidential delegate of O'Higgins highlighted the joint work between the different actors. “Codelco Chile División El Teniente has made an invaluable effort in support of our community and I want to thank them for their work that has allowed us to move quickly on these emergency works that will also serve as a base for the installation of the definitive works at a later stage,” he said.

Félix Sánchez, mayor of Coltauco, seconded the point: “We are extremely grateful for the work and all the support that Codelco El Teniente has given us. The progress has been extraordinary, we have built around 600 meters of parapet, five meters high, and we will continue working to continue building.”

Permanent commitment

El Teniente promotes triple value as a fundamental part of its development strategy. It links economic, environmental and social community values, which results in a permanent connection, concern and work with the communities surrounding the areas of operation.

In the case of the atmospheric event that affected the O'Higgins region, and especially the commune of Coltauco, El Teniente teams were present from the first moment, with support and delivery of supplies, clothing, food, tools and machinery, among others.

Currently, the four machines working on the Cachapoal River bed are continuing their work and will be carrying out containment, channelling and parapet generation tasks in Coltauco until August 4.

“We have made this equipment available to the Directorate of Hydraulic Works and the Presidential Delegation. For us it is a source of satisfaction and as a state company we cannot fail to be present in the face of an emergency such as the one experienced in the O'Higgins region,” said Germán Sandoval, manager of Sustainability and External Affairs at El Teniente. “I would like to highlight the efforts of workers from different companies that have supported us, such as Orocup, Maval and Tambo, because it has been very gratifying to see their commitment, enthusiasm and motivation,” he added.