Penco Reconstruction Advances Ahead of Schedule, New Homes Announced

Reconstruction in the Chilean commune of Penco is exceeding expectations, with Housing Minister Iván Poduje reporting that work is advancing at a pace faster than initially scheduled. During a visit to the Biobío Region, Poduje reviewed the progress of rebuilding efforts in Penco, which was devastated by a massive fire. He confirmed that the work is not only on track but slightly ahead of the original timeline. "We are advancing exactly according to plan, even a little faster," Poduje stated. He also announced a significant initiative to address the housing needs of extended families affected by the disaster. The Ministry of Housing, in coordination with the Ministry of National Assets, has secured a plot of land for the construction of 320 new homes. These new homes are designated for families who, while not property owners themselves, lost their residences in the fire and were living as "allegadas" (dependents or relatives living with others). The project will see approximately 70% of these new dwellings constructed in the neighboring commune of Tomé, with the remaining 30% to be built in Penco, providing much-needed shelter for those displaced by the inferno.