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dam-l ECOLOGISTS FEAR CONFRONTATIONS OVER RALCO
Chip News, January 20, 1999
Sources: EL MERCURIO;LA TERCERA
ECOLOGISTS FEAR CONFRONTATIONS OVER RALCO
Environmental groups opposed to the construction of Endesa's US$500 million
hydroelectric project said Tuesday they fear
continued confrontations if Endesa begins construction.
Last week, the National Indigenous Development Board (Conadi) effectively
approved Ralco plans when it approved the majority ofthe 83 land barter
contracts signed between Endesa and Pehuenche families who would have to be
relocated. Eight families still refuse to sign. None of the eight
indigenous board members voted on the contracts.
The environmental groups, including IEP, Renace and GABB, rejected
statements by Endesa General Manager Jaime Bauza, who
said the company will deal with opposing Pehuenche families when it is time
to flood the land, after the dam is already constructed.
Indigenous Law states that if there is even one Pehuenche who refuses to
leave his land, no one can force him to. Endesa argues that the electricity
legislation has more weight than the Indigenous Law and that meeting
Chile's rising energy needs is more important than preserving sacred
indigenous land. Endesa, however, wants to resolve the primacy of the laws
in the Supreme Court after the dam is built.
IEP Director Manuel Baquedano said if Endesa tries to re- start
construction work, the company will be impeded by opposing
Pehuenche families and groups supporting them. "The government will be
responsible for what happens if it permits this illegal construction," he
said. Endesa denied any construction work has begun.
Chile Information Project
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Aleta Brown
International Rivers Network
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Berkeley, CA 94703 USA
Phone: 1.510.848.1155
Fax: 1.510.848.1008
email: aleta@irn.org
http://www.irn.org