Summary
China’s President Xi Jinping inaugurated the $1.3 billion Chancay megaport in Peru, a key hub for South America-Asia trade, promising “tangible results” like jobs and revenue.
However, locals in the impoverished fishing town say the project has destroyed fish breeding grounds, reduced catches, and brought no economic benefits.
Residents fear further pollution, citing past oil spills.
While officials promote the port’s potential for regional growth, locals criticize the lack of infrastructure investment in their community, calling the port a “monster” that worsens inequality.
More belt and road usury?
Every major infrastructure project will come with a long list of nimby complaints. Thing is, developing countries actually need these projects to improve people’s livelihoods in the long run.
You’ll only be right if the original residents receive the infrastructure upgrades they need. Hopefully we’ll check back in a few years and all these people will have running water, but if not then it’ll just prove that they were taken advantage of.
