Abandoned Lands in Rancagua: A Growing Concern
There are vast expanses of uncultivated land scattered throughout the geography of Rancagua, a commune that has experienced rapid population growth. Projections indicate that by 2023, the population could exceed 270 thousand inhabitants.
The Problem of Abandoned Spaces
A recent publication by the Municipality of Rancagua sheds light on the issue of abandoned properties. The publication, based on public information from the Internal Revenue Service (SII) and Real Estate Registrar of Rancagua, reveals the existence of approximately 52 abandoned spaces.
A Tour of Neglected Lands
During a tour of several towns, we witnessed the abandonment and neglect of many of these barren lands. These areas have turned into large garbage dumps, breeding grounds for rodents, sources of foul odors, and havens for criminals. At night, they become dangerous places.
A Fire Hazard
In the summer season, abandoned lands become susceptible to fires. Authorities must take precautions to prevent such accidents, as they pose a threat to both the population and the environment.
A Threat to Children
One particular piece of land, located on El Sol Avenue, was once the site of the Vicuña Mackenna population. Today, it has become a massive garbage dump. Unscrupulous individuals disregard the nearby children’s center, which has been severely affected. The surrounding homes and buildings also suffer from this neglect.
A Den of Wolves
The Benjamita Children’s Garden, which has been providing care for about 50 children from various sectors of the city for over 16 years, is located next to the aforementioned abandoned land. The area has been invaded by debris and garbage, and the lack of lighting at night makes it a dangerous place for the children and the staff.
A Health Risk
Damaris Villagrán, a kindergarten teacher, expressed concern about the nauseating odors emanating from the ground. Dead animals are often discarded there, putting the children’s health at risk. The teaching and administrative staff of the school are also affected.
A Target for Criminals
The children’s garden has also been a target for robberies, resulting in the loss of belongings and work tools. Additionally, an old train car in the square in front of the garden has been repeatedly set on fire, posing a danger to the residents of the area.
A Shelter for the Homeless
In another part of the city, a large piece of land near Alameda Avenue and Villa El Bosque remains unfinished. The housing project, funded by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (Minvu) with an investment of over 15 billion pesos, has been abandoned for more than two years. It has now become a shelter for the homeless.
Another Abandoned Land
Another abandoned piece of land, owned by the State Railway Company (EFE), is located near the Metrotren terminal in the Station area. The dense forest in the area makes it inhospitable, but residents of the Simón Bolívar sector use it as a shortcut to reach Millán Avenue.
A Call for Attention
Passers-by expressed their frustration with the authorities’ lack of attention to this abandoned plot of land. They believe it could be put to better use for the benefit of the community. They also request a pedestrian crossing to facilitate safe passage, especially during the rainy season.
Housing Projects to Transform the Abandoned Lands
The director of the Housing and Urban Planning Service (SERVIU), Omar Gutiérrez Mesina, addressed the issue of vacant lands in the former Vicuña Mackenna town. He explained that these lands are part of the Urban Regeneration Plan, following the demolition of the housing complex.
Gutiérrez Mesina stated that three housing projects will be developed on these lands. The first project, Altos de Lircay, will provide housing for 19 camp families and is set to begin in December of this year. The second project, Altos de Vicuña Complex, will consist of 290 units divided into four lots and is scheduled to start in 2024. The third project aims to benefit 292 families and will include apartments, multipurpose rooms, green areas, and other amenities.
The director of SERVIU emphasized the importance of these projects in transforming the sector and announced an approximate investment of 20 billion pesos.
The Municipality’s Response
We reached out to the municipality regarding the publication of vacant sites in Rancagua. In a brief statement, they highlighted their legal powers to address the issue and enforce regulations. They also mentioned the possibility of declaring properties as abandoned and imposing fines if owners fail to comply with maintenance requirements.
However, the municipality did not provide specific actions regarding the vacant sites in Rancagua.