Along with the reopening of the power plant, the renewable energy company in charge of the project presented the renewal of a social agreement to work with the indigenous community of Esteban Traipe.
Through a ceremony held on the premises of Eléctrica Carén, belonging to the renewable energy company Latin America Power (LAP), on Wednesday, December 14, the Carilafquén-Malalcahuello Hydroelectric Power Plant was reopened, following the September approval by General Directorate of Waters (DGA) of the hydraulic works of the station.
The activity was attended by the mayor of Melipeuco, Alejandro Cuminao Barros, representatives of the company and members of the neighboring communities, who reside permanently in the plant’s vicinity.
The same day, Gastón Pincheira, president of the Huechelepún neighborhood council, representing a community located around the facilities of the Eléctrica Carén company, thanked the efforts that Latin America Power has undertaken in the area since its arrival in 2014. He also highlighted the importance of the contributions received by the community in recent years. “Thanks to the work we have developed, today we have a rural medical center and drinking water in all the houses in the sector. We hope that this work continues on the same path in the future, since for us as a community it has been very important”, he stated.
LAP´s general manager, Diego Hollweck, expressed gratitude for the willingness that the communities have had towards the collaborative work established during the year and highlighted the importance of these instances to generate bonds of trust that allow the development of the area.
Regarding the operation of the hydroelectric plant, the representative of LAP stressed that "for us it is very important that the work we do is recognized for the quality and rigor that we apply in all the processes and projects that we carry out, ensuring the environment and benefiting the communities that surround us. This is why this reopening confirms that we are on the right track in line with sustainability as one of our main guidelines”.
The Carilafquén and Malalcahuello plants are the first hydroelectric projects fully developed by Latin America Power (LAP) and have been in operation since February 2016 in the Araucanía Region, with an installed capacity of 29 MW.
Agreement with the Esteban Traipe community
The activity was also attended by members of the Esteban Traipe indigenous community, who through its president, Rosa Romero, and the Safety, Sustainability and Environment manager of Latin America Power, José Salgado, renewed an agreement, framed in the Project of Operations Funds (FOP) of the company. The agreement seeks to continue benefiting the development of the community's identity, culture and productive progress.
In this regard, the leader of Esteban Traipe community showed support for the renewal of these benefits, which have provided 48 families with drinking water and the creation of a social headquarters for the entire community. “We know that these amounts are not much, but we intend to multiply it. I am proud to be part of this Mapuche community that has spent years working for its development and well-being, which will now continue to grow with the help of the company," she emphasized.
When inquired about next steps, the manager of the sustainability area, José Salgado, stressed the importance of maintaining the virtuous circle that promotes an organized mechanism with the community, "so that the agreement lasts for as long as the company is in operation." he added.
The folk group of peasant music "Hijos del Llaima" was also present at the event. The purpose of the group is to highlight the traditions of the land, through the Canto Campesino and Chilote, which the group interpreted to the attendees.
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