The Chilean government is to allocate CLP 1,000 million (USD 1.8 million) for reconstruction and development of artisanal fisheries in the northern area of Chile, which were hit by an earthquake and tsunami earlier this month.
This was announced by the head of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA), Raul Sunico, who along with the presidential delegate for the Reconstruction of the Region of Tarapaca, Julio Ruiz, visited Caleta Guardiamarina Riquelme in Iquique, the most affected area by this phenomenon.
Sunico and Ruiz met with wrecked fishermen and divers and promised them the replacement of lost or damaged boats, engines and fishing gear.
The Government also plans to grant a bonus in the coming days to all fishermen who have evidence of having had their boats affected in order to try to compensate for the days during which they could not work.
Furthermore, the undersecretary completed the replacement of 32 cold rooms, equipment that was damaged after the sea water entered the Caleta Guardiamarina Riquelme, and the repair of land equipment in Caleta Cavancha. For both measures, CLP 31 million (USD 55,600) was invested.
Sunico said these actions confirm the commitment of President Michelle Bachelet with all the affected artisanal fishermen, reported SUBPESCA.
And he informed that “during this week a number of vessel and launch suppliers will make a presentation of their boats for the fishermen concerned to choose the best models taking into account their particular conditions and characteristics.”
Earlier this month, Sunico visited the plants belonging to the firms Corpesca and Camanchaca to assess the damage caused by the earthquake.
The two companies employ about 3,000 people in the region of Arica and Iquique, where the earthquake occurred.
“Our main concern has to do with employment positions involving thousands of families in the area,” Sunico highlighted at that time.
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