Why this is important to Wisconsin businesses: Wisconsin companies can take part in construction, as well as supplying equipment, machinery and design services.
Chile’s Ministry of Public Works has proposed five new reservoirs to be built, three of which are expected to be issued for tender during the second half of 2017. The three dams to be built in Chile’s fifth region—named Las Palmas, Catemu and Cabildo—will be offered to the private sector. These projects provide significant opportunities to Wisconsin companies, in both construction and the supply of equipment and machinery.
The tender for the construction of Las Palmas is expected to be released within the next few months. This dam is designed to be able to hold up to 55 million cubic meters of water from the Petorca River, with the intention of securing water supply for the irrigation of more than 8,000 acres of land throughout the Petorca Valley during the dry season. The Las Palmas reservoir requires an estimated investment of $73 million and is expected to be completed by 2019.
The Catemu Reservoir is in the development process, with bidding rules currently being prepared. It will be located in the Cerrillos District and constructed on the Aconcagua River.
Lastly, the Cabildo Reservoir in the Los Ángeles area is currently negotiating necessary agreements with both the community and local water committees.
Overall, the five reservoirs will involve a total investment of $1 billion and will be the largest water sector infrastructure project in Chile’s history. These exciting projects offer various opportunities for Wisconsin companies to be involved in the development and construction of the dams. Engineering, water and construction companies will be required not only for the design and construction of the dams, but also for the supply of knowledge and equipment.