Venezuela’s Chacao municipality faces $20 million earthquake reconstruction
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Gustavo Duque, the mayor of Chacao municipality in Venezuela, stated on September 10th that rebuilding infrastructure damaged by earthquakes in June will cost approximately $20 million.
The earthquakes impacted 5,500 apartments, left 49 buildings severely damaged, and affected common areas in another 168 buildings. Because only about 2% of residents had private property insurance, the municipal government created a special plan to assess damage and provide direct assistance.
Duque’s administration secured funding by arranging for advance payments of commercial taxes from major local businesses. These funds allowed crews to begin repairs on the most critically damaged buildings, already improving the condition of 11 structures. The municipality also identified 1,530 homes occupied by vulnerable seniors over 65, and is currently repairing masonry, electrical systems, and plumbing in 400 of them, having completed work on 60.
Beyond local funding, Duque has presented technical assessments to international organizations like the World Bank and the Andean Development Corporation (CAF). Chacao has spent $2.8 million clearing debris from collapsed buildings, and continues to provide food and lodging for displaced families in local hotels while awaiting national funding. The mayor anticipates announcing additional programs to provide building materials to residents who wish to make repairs themselves.
