Thanks to collaborative work with representatives of the town, Codelco El Teniente Division promoted a series of improvements in the community headquarters of the Chacayes Residents' Association, in the Machalí foothills. These works benefited more than 600 residents of the area by providing a renovated space for meetings, social activities and community events.

The improvements were carried out through El Teniente's local labor program and included clearing the land, installing parking lots, creating ornamental paths, installing flower beds and interior fencing. The works lasted for about three months, aiming to strengthen the community use of the site.

Francisco Allan, Community Development Supervisor for El Teniente, explained that “this is a response to the progress that the sector has had, where entrepreneurs and tourists come to participate in various activities. The idea behind these improvements was to beautify and organize the space, creating parking areas, installing gardens and infrastructural improvements. We hope that the headquarters will not only be used for meetings, but that it will also become a welcoming and attractive place that the neighbors fully enjoy.”

The president of the Chacayes Residents’ Association, Patricia Muñoz, valued the support and explained the importance of the facilities. “This investment is key for the territorial organizations of remote areas of the city, where both those who have recently arrived and families who have lived here all their lives live together. In addition, it will allow the new generations to have a community space that they can use and enjoy,” she said.

A meeting space in the town

The headquarters was inaugurated in March 2018 thanks to the collaboration of public and private institutions, where the El Teniente Division directly supported its construction. Since then, it has established itself as a meeting point for residents.

Today, the headquarters serves as a key center for residents, strengthening the sense of community in a town that continues to grow and develop. Among the activities that take place at the headquarters are baptisms, weddings and food fairs held on weekends.

Omar Reyes, the organization's second director, said that "the idea is that everyone feels represented by the Board. We want neighbors to come, share and feel that they can count on us. With the improvements made, we now have a more welcoming place, which projects a better image."

"Fairs have become more popular lately. Also, depending on the time of year, the number of activities increases considerably. In summer, we have more weddings and baptisms. In winter, it slows down a bit, but there is always at least one event a week," he added.