How many people will continue to work for Energía Austral once it starts operations?
During their construction phase, hydroelectric projects are very labour-intensive and, at the peak of its construction which is expected to take 56 months, Energía Austral will need an estimated 4,000 workers. The operation of hydroelectric plants, on the other hand, requires a limited number of workers and we estimate that Energía Austral will then have some 80 to 120 people working in the Region. In addition, a further 150 people will be required for the development of the forestry compensation plan, which will have a duration of at least 20 years.
What will Energía Austral do to conserve the way of life of the Aysén people?
One of Energía Austral’s objectives is to minimise its impact on the way of life of the inhabitants of Aysén. For this reason, it will seek to avoid using the town’s infrastructure during its construction phase.
To this end, it will install camps in the area of its worksites, with sufficient capacity and equipment to accommodate workers from outside the Region. These camps will have entertainment and rest areas, canteens and medical services. A shift system of 14 days’ work followed by 14 days off will allow workers to return to their places of residence during the latter period, thereby avoiding the impact of a sudden influx of workers.
In addition, for the transport of machinery, inputs and personnel, Energía Austral will prefer a system that combines its own roads and sea transport in order not to affect Puerto Aysén’s road infrastructure.
As regards healthcare, Energía Austral has an agreement with the Mutual de Seguridad, an occupational health and safety organisation, for the installation of an outpatient medical centre in Puerto Aysén that will attend workers and their families as well as the local community.