The environmental approval of the Maratué project brings hope for a definitive transformation of the lives of families in the area’s housing committees and closes a long chapter of territorial uncertainty.
In recent weeks, the presidents of the housing committees spearheaded the community’s reaction and joyfully welcomed the official confirmation from the relevant authorities. Their testimonies reflected the profound relief of hundreds of families who had waited for years for this historic opportunity to secure their assets and leave behind the precarious situation of living in overcrowded conditions.
“This is wonderful. I don’t think words can explain what people are feeling; it’s simply the best thing that could have happened. People are happy; so many people need this. Not only my committee of 140 members, but we represent several committees—around 900 people who will be celebrating this moment.
As president of the committee and the neighborhood association, I feel this is a huge achievement, a significant step forward for the community. And let’s not forget that this will be a gradual process, not an invasion like everyone is saying.
This is going to be fantastic.” Amay Villarroel, President of the Alto Ventanas Housing Committee.
“For the committee, this is truly a very important decision because it addresses the real need for housing. We’ve been here for almost six years, so there are many families for whom this is the answer they’ve been waiting for to have their own home. I have many people with disabilities, senior citizens, single mothers, and this is how they can finally have their own home after waiting for the land for so many years, and now it’s finally been approved.” Simehi Aránguiz, President of the Bucalemu Committee.
“At least for us, this decision is extremely important, and it’s a dream come true because the D49, at least for my committee, are primary residences. These aren’t people who want a house to later rent out or as a second home. The people I have are people who live with relatives, rent, live with their mother-in-law or father-in-law, or live with their mother, father, and sibling, plus their children and their spouse or partner.
So now people are happy because now they have the motivation that we will finally be able to access housing.” Rosanna Pérez, President of the Los Médanos de Campiche Committee.
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