Global General

Chile to finish emergency housing construction in 2012

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2011-02-24 16:52

SANTIAGO -- The Chilean government said Wednesday it would finish emergency housing construction for the victims of last year's megaquake by the end of 2012.

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"I can guarantee that no one will stay in emergency camps in June 2012, and that is a record figure," the country's Housing Minister Magdalena Matte said after a meeting with members of the ruling and opposition parties.

She added that the housing quality will be much better.

"I can see their uncertainties and doubts about reconstruction, that is why we open the door for those who have questions and want to talk with us.What we need to do is to explain the plan," she said.

The government delivered the reconstruction report as part of the commemorations of the calamity a year ago, which had killed more than 500 people and left 800,000 others homeless.

However, the opposition strongly criticized the reconstruction process and said it was not invited to attend the commemorations launched by the government.