Chancay Megaport: Economic Progress vs. Local Health and Traditions

The construction of the megaport in Chancay, located 71 kilometers from Lima, has triggered a profound transformation in the lives of its inhabitants. Since the start of construction in 2016, the landscape and dynamics of the area have changed, generating both expectations of development and growing discontent among residents. At the center of this duality is Assilem Llanos Izquierdo, a 9-year-old girl who suffers from Schaff-Yang syndrome, a rare variant of the autism spectrum. The noise from the construction, particularly the explosions, has affected her well-being, turning each day into a real challenge for her mother, Melissa Izquierdo, who sees how progress promises economic benefits but at the expense of her daughter's health. Cosco Shipping, the company in charge of the project, claims that the port will transform Peru into a key logistics hub in South America, connecting Latin American trade with Asia and significantly reducing transit times. Carlos Aquino, an economist from the National University of San Marcos, asserts that the new infrastructure will allow for 24-hour operations, which could position the country as a regional leader in maritime trade. However, for many residents of Chancay, the promise of a prosperous future is overshadowed by the immediate consequences of the construction. The testimonies of citizens reflect a landscape of discontent. Miriam Arce, a member of the Chancay Defense Front, states that living conditions have changed drastically. "Our lives have changed completely; our homes and our health have been affected," she explains, referring to the damage caused by the construction. A recent incident in May 2023 highlighted these issues when the ground sank in the Peralvillo area, causing cracks in several homes. Although the company offered compensations, the situation has left a sense of distrust in the community. The impact of the construction also extends to local fishing activities. Fishermen have seen how the dredging of the seabed has altered ecosystems, forcing them to move to more distant areas to catch fish. The situation is alarming, as many report spending more time at sea and catching less. Antony Apeño, a biologist from the NGO Cooperacción, points out that changes in the marine habitat are affecting wildlife, especially benthic organisms that are essential for the food chain of commercially important species. Cosco has acknowledged that its operations have impacted wildlife and has implemented compensation programs, which include scholarships and technical assistance for fishermen. However, many resist leaving their trade to explore new job opportunities. The lack of alternatives and a deep-rooted connection to fishing tradition create additional tension in the community, where the fear of losing their way of life coexists with the expectation of economic development. Studies on the environmental impact of the port raise serious concerns. A report by biologist Stefan Austermuhle highlights that the recovery of the seabed could take between 3 and 15 years, which contrasts with Cosco's claims that it would be achieved in less than 10. Additionally, the report mentions that many observations made in previous studies have not been adequately addressed, raising uncertainty about the true environmental impact of the project. The Santa Rosa wetland, near the new port, also faces threats. While biologist Beatriz Alcántara argues that other factors, such as agricultural pollution and grazing, are the main dangers to this ecosystem, the construction of the megaport has altered the habitat of birds, affecting their migration and presence in the area. This highlights the complexity of the situation, where potential economic benefits clash with the need to preserve local biodiversity. The situation in Chancay is a microcosm of the tensions that arise when economic development imposes itself over the needs and rights of local communities. While authorities and Cosco emphasize the benefits that the port will generate, such as the creation of thousands of jobs, many citizens feel that their concerns have been relegated to the background. For them, growth does not necessarily translate into well-being, and the constant noise from the port operations serves as a reminder that their lives have changed forever. Meanwhile, Melissa Izquierdo continues to wait for an agreement that would provide greater support for her daughter. The uncertainty about the future exacerbates the situation for many families in Chancay, who see how land prices have skyrocketed, jeopardizing their ability to remain in the community they have always known. In this context, the dream of progress that benefits everyone feels distant, as the echoes of the explosions continue to resonate in a town struggling to find a balance between development and its identity.