Thursday, August 27, 2009

current news from Peru

Puno people mobilizing against Inambari dam project

According to several reports and articles printed by regional press, the upcoming construction of a massive hydroelectric central in Inambari (Puno) is causing great concern, distress and distrust among the people.
The dam is supposed to create a lake of 412 km2, and 220mts. high, which means that more than 60 little villages, plus roads, production, flora and fauna would be covered by 200 mts. of water, as well as the towns of Lechemayo, Loromayo, and Puerto Manoa.
The polemic and anger among the population increases day by day since this project, which is being developed in a 1,700km2 territory granted in concession to Brasil, would reportedly benefit directly Brazil (particularly the states of Acre, Rondonia, Amazonas and Mato Grosso) rather than Peru.
“Peru will use only a 20% of the energy produced by the 5 hydroelectric centrals that we are to finance in that country,” said Brazil's Energy Minister, Edison Lobao a couple weeks ago to Reuters.
Puno people, who has not been consulted about this, are currently organizing to ask for information and explanations about this project, but the lack of responses from congressmen and related authorities is likely to generate popular protests soon, according to more regional media reports.
The works, which will reportedly cost US $15 billion dollars, will be financed by EletrobrĂ¡s and Brazilian National Bank of Social and Economic Developmen (BNDS).
When will the Peruvian people stop having reason for protest?

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