Antofagasta inicia mejora verde en Avenida Pérez Zujovic

Antofagasta's city government just greenlit a major overhaul for Avenida Pérez Zujovic—one of its busiest roads. The project spans nearly 2 kilometers, planting 184 trees, 368 pots of native plants, and slathering on ecological paint. It kicks off next week with a $29.9 million peso budget. This isn't just landscaping—it's a direct shot at cooling down a scorching desert city and reviving public spaces.diarioantofagasta.cl ### Why Pérez Zujovic? Avenida Pérez Zujovic cuts through Antofagasta's core—a northern Chilean port city of 400,000 hugging the Atacama Desert. It's a vital link for commuters, shoppers, and trucks hauling copper from nearby mines, which fuel Chile's economy. But right now, it's mostly concrete and asphalt—hot, dusty, and short on shade. Drivers and pedestrians bake under summer temps that top 30°C (86°F). The upgrade turns it into a shaded boulevard with bike lanes and seating.diarioantofagasta.cl ### What goes in exactly? Expect 184 new trees—drought-resistant species like Chilean palm and acacia, picked for Atacama's arid vibe. They'll join 368 large pots bursting with native shrubs and ground cover, creating instant greenery pockets. Sidewalks get "ecological paint"—low-VOC, reflective coatings that bounce heat away and resist fading in brutal sun. Bike paths, benches, and LED lights round it out. Workers start clearing and prepping next week, aiming for completion in months.diarioantofagasta.cl municipalidadantofagasta.cl ### How much does it cost—and who's paying? The tab is $29,977,000 Chilean pesos—about $32,000 USD at current rates. That's funded through municipal budgets plus regional green infrastructure grants. Not cheap for 1.8 km, but it pencils out: trees alone run $100-200 each installed, pots add labor, and eco-paint beats regular stuff long-term. No traffic disruptions promised during peak hours—smart for a working port city.diarioantofagasta.cl ### Why green upgrades now? Antofagasta fights "urban heat island" effects—concrete traps daytime heat, spiking nights too. The city has under 10 m² of green space per resident, way below WHO's 9 m² rec. Copper mining booms bring dust and emissions; this counters with biodiversity—native plants draw pollinators and stabilize soil. It's part of Chile's national push for resilient cities post-2022 droughts.elpinguino.com mma.gob.cl ### What changes for locals? Less heat—trees could drop road temps 5-10°C via shade and evapotranspiration. Walkability jumps: shaded paths lure families, cyclists, vendors. Biodiversity perks include bird habitats and cleaner air filtering mine smog. But the catch? Construction snarls short-term; expect phased work to keep one lane open. Long-term, it models green retrofits for other barren avenues.diarioantofagasta.cl ### Any pushback? Minimal so far—locals cheer shade in a city where summer means hiding indoors. Some merchants worry over construction dips in foot traffic, but planners promise quick phases. Eco-groups praise native plants avoiding water-guzzlers. It's not revolutionary—Santiago's done bigger—but for desert-bound Antofagasta, it's a legit win against climate creep.soyantofagasta.cl Bottom line: This greening kicks off Antofagasta's urban refresh, proving even mining hubs can plant shade and cool off. Watch for copycats on other streets—$30 million buys a template for desert livability. If it sticks, expect cooler commutes by winter. ``` Word count: 528