MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Massive infrastructure investment for Magallanes.

The Chilean central government will be investing in Magallanes Region and Tierra del Fuego during the next six years leading to 2010, the equivalent of 82 million US dollars in transport infrastructure to improve “Austral Connectivity”.

berryThe announcement was done in Punta Arenas this week by Public Works Minister Javier Etcheberry and Planning Office Director Guillermo Guerrero pointing out that the sum excludes current maintenance work and short and medium term projects already in process.

"The multimode approach that includes routes, ports and airports is geared to improve the isolation conditions of austral Chile, one of the two remotes areas of the country", said Mr. Etcheberry.

Basically the project covers four different geographical areas, or axis, with the objective of a greater connectivity which means land routes are not the only resource.

"Good access ramps, ferry services and when needed transport subsidies will be available to help build a connective network", indicated Mr. Guerrero.

Building air strips in certain strategic locations are contemplated as well as upgrading some of those already existent.

The "Austral Connectivity" 2010 plan will also invite investments from the private sector under the concession system particularly regarding ferries and airports.

September 2010 Chile celebrates the 200th anniversary of the founding of the republic and a massive public works plan has been programmed during the coming six years.