"Cusco needs natural gas, no more years of waiting": Chamber of Commerce demands that its massification not be postponed

(Infobae illustrative image)The Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Services, Tourism and Production of Cusco demanded that the National Government, senators, deputies, authorities, political leaders, and social organizations avoid further delays in the massification of natural gas for homes and businesses in the region. In a public statement dated October 16, the guild noted that, despite natural gas having contributed to the country's development for more than twenty years, thousands of Cusco families and small businesses continue to pay expensive energy prices. According to the organization, each additional year of waiting represents greater expenses for households, higher costs for businesses, and lost development opportunities. The Chamber stated that alternatives currently exist that would allow the massification of natural gas in Cusco to advance in less than two years, and warned of the risk that new controversies and political disputes could once again delay the process. The statement does not identify what those alternatives are, but proposes that the priority should be to bring gas to the population in the shortest time possible, with transparency, safety, and fair prices. The guild acknowledged the right to oversee and question initiatives related to the massification of natural gas, but argued that those proposing to discard any of them must substantiate their objections and present a viable alternative. According to the Chamber, any proposal should specify how much it will cost, how it will be financed, and how long its execution will take. "The right to question does not exempt one from the responsibility to propose," it stated. "What or who is preventing natural gas from reaching Cusco?" the guild asked. It also demanded that information be provided on what concrete alternatives exist, when they could be implemented, and who would be accountable for the economic and social cost of any further delays. The organization also argued that the massification of natural gas for homes and businesses does not conflict with a pipeline for Cusco or the south, and proposed that both alternatives can be developed in a complementary manner. "These are solutions that can complement each other," it affirmed. The Chamber added that controversies related to a particular project should not prevent other alternatives from being evaluated according to their own technical and economic merits. The guild also stated that its position does not respond to the defense of specific business interests. "We do not defend companies or particular contracts," it stated, arguing that its position responds to the right of families to pay less for energy, of small businesses to reduce their costs, and of Cusco to generate jobs and opportunities. Finally, the Chamber reiterated its call to the National Government, senators, deputies, authorities, political leaders, and social organizations so that the massification of natural gas is carried out and not postponed again. "Cusco needs solutions and deadlines! No more years of waiting!" the statement concluded.