A social project reopens the debate on inequality in Chile

The construction project of a building for low-clbad people in one of the richest communes of the country sparked controversy

SANTIAGO, Chile.- A 15-storey building with 83 apartments for social housing in one of the richest areas of Santiago. The plan seems compelling, but in a country like Chile, which has one of the most uneven income distributions of the continent, the idea can become a chimera.

The construction of a tower for people who do not have their own home, promoted by the mayor of the municipality of Las Condes, Joaquín Lavín, and the stiff resistance shown by residents against the building because of the profile of future neighbors revived in Chile the debate on social cleavage, clbadism and integration. [19659004"Wewanttoachieveachangeinpolicyinthepolicyofaccommodation"saidLavin(fromtheIndependentDemocraticUnion)inthemiddleofagrowingstruggle

The building, according to its outline, will be located in the area of ​​the Rotunda of Athens. from the east area of ​​Santiago, and will have 85 apartments between 60 and 64 m2. They will have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a terrace and underground parking. In addition, solar panels will be installed to lower the cost of electricity and, at the first level, commercial premises will be rented to help reduce common expenses.

The profile of beneficiaries? At present, 1,200 people make up the universe of possible candidates to live in the building. 77% are families who have a wife as head of the family, with one or two children in their majority, and who live in the municipality for more than 20 years.

"You can move people from one place to another, from one day to another, but you can not change their habits, their customs, their way of life, we're going to have clothes hanging everywhere ", Complained Alejandro Pozo, spokesman for the neighboring Alma Real building neighbors and one of the faces.The most visible of the neighbors' protests, which included cacerolazos and steps with black balloons.

According to opponents of the project, another point to consider is the supposed loss of added value that their homes might suffer. "Chile is not prepared for definitive inclusion, bringing people from one place to another, in Las Condes we are overpopulated, some neighbors have the impression that they will be harmed in the cost of their home, "said Alejandra Alonso. 19659005]" Poverty is not a toy for the populist politician of the time of the user to be at will and display it in a showcase to gain membership, "added José Antonio Kast, former presidential candidate of the far right. and the tone of the neighbors, Lavin marked a first triumph in the city council, which supported his idea unanimously and gave the green light to the construction, so that the presentation of the project, agreed on July 31, will be refined. The government, through its Minister of Housing, Cristián Monckeberg, also lent its support. "Here there is a serious housing policy, the integration is not populism: it is a reality, a necessity and in Chile today, we must move forward in this better integration, "she said. Consumer sociology specialist from the Complutense de Madrid, said that this case has revived the encapsulation that lives Chilean society.

"Here we give priority to links between equals – regardless of whether we are superior, middle or low in other sectors of society, it becomes weaker and weaker because of distances and because all clbades isolate themselves, resulting in a significant impoverishment of social life and a fear of the different which impoverishes cultural diversity, a progressive individualism that is reflected at the level of work, education and society " , did he declare.

For the architect and professor of the Catholic University Sebastian Gray, "this is not a Lavín experience," but resumed "a tradition interrupted for political and economic reasons, but this Was very normal in Chile. "

" Many of the social problems that exist in Santiago have to do with segregation, which has gone further, but the purpose of this project is to provide housing for Near the same town: in the 70s, they received basic housing for many residents of Las Condes, but now live with their three generations in the same houses .- Gray- Where there was a There are now three families: it is a hidden poverty, and what Lavin is looking for is that the children and grandchildren of the commune can continue to live in the commune. "