Junín Earthquake Reconstruction May Take Six Months; S/140 Million Requested for Schools and Clinics

Rebuilding infrastructure damaged by a recent earthquake in Peru's Junín region may take as long as six months, according to regional governor Zózimo Cárdenas. He attributed the lengthy timeline to the administrative processes required for public investment.

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If we talk about public investment, it takes time. About four, five, or six months in the best of cases, because bureaucracy is slower.

Cárdenas has appealed to the central government for over 140 million Peruvian soles (approximately $38 million USD) to address critical damage to schools and medical facilities. He highlighted that bureaucratic hurdles impede a swift response, even in urgent situations. "If we talk about public investment, it takes time. About four, five, or six months in the best of cases, because bureaucracy is slower," he told reporters.

The governor also criticized the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), stating it concluded its term without approving the requested reconstruction budget. Cárdenas asserted that the request, submitted with detailed technical plans for schools and health centers in declared emergency zones, was not met. "I have not received a response. The ministers are not doing their job," he stated, emphasizing the need to restore public services.

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I have not received a response. The ministers are not doing their job.

Meanwhile, the earthquake left its mark on the region's healthcare infrastructure, with 14 health centers and hospitals reporting damage. The Carhuapaccha health facility in Chupuro district was declared uninhabitable due to cracks and structural instability, forcing medical services to relocate to tents. Other affected facilities include hospitals where operating rooms were suspended, requiring patients to be moved and support from other institutions.

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We have requested with the technical sheets more than S/140 million so that public service can be re-established again.