Invisible communities become resilient communities: The case of Pelluhue in the Chilean liberalization of reconstruction

• In Event: Learning from 27F: Assessing the urban reconstruction process after the 2010 earthquake in Chile

Abstract

The earthquake and tsunami that took place in 2010 impacted 25% of the territory and 84,592 people were affected. The reconstruction process opened the door to the private sectors’ participation in the planning of some affected areas. This meant the generation of plans with different levels of public and private support, making more evident the vulnerability of territories without explicit political and business leverage.

This model brought about the development of reconstruction master plans, which can be recognized as a sign of emerging strategic planning. However, these plans have been developed without a specific institutional framework. They can be understood as investment roadmaps that have allowed greater visibility of those towns with greater contributors. Such consequences call into question the role of the State in public and private investment.

In this context of external inputs, civil society has been closely involved and universities have played an active participation. Pelluhue had the highest number of deaths per capita, but has not been the focus of public attention. Despite its institutional weaknesses, the local community, officials and the academia have been tracing a path of unprecedented multisectoral work.

The needs to learn from these experiences and strengthen local capacities are placing pressure on institutional structures. Changes in government and emphasis on defining policies could evoke an opportunity for the establishment of a "new contract" between the State and the community. In this sense, this experience from its invisibility can be considered a benchmark for sensitive public policies for the most vulnerable communities.

Author

• Roberto Moris, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile