The Municipality of Concepción is currently weighing several legal options to address breaches of contract by the construction firm Tromen, which is responsible for the Plaza Perú renovation. Mayor Héctor Muñoz confirmed that authorities are evaluating measures that could include contract termination due to persistent delays in the construction schedule.
The renovation project in this iconic part of the city has been underway for nearly ten months. While physical progress stands at 71%, inconsistent work schedules and repeated deadline extensions have prolonged the project well beyond its original plan.
“Our legal teams, alongside our subcontracting oversight units, have been analyzing our next steps and the legal avenues to ensure the company is held accountable for these breaches,” Mayor Muñoz stated. The mayor also emphasized that the municipal administration will take all necessary action to address the frustration these delays are causing local residents.
Technical Deficiencies and Payment Crisis
The issues at Plaza Perú extend beyond the construction schedule. During work on Chacabuco Avenue, technical teams discovered structural problems in the storm drain system. The existing infrastructure lacks the reinforcements required by current technical regulations.
The construction company's financial situation is also beginning to impact its suppliers. The security firm Halcon Seguridad confirmed it was forced to terminate its contract with Tromen after facing months of unpaid invoices.
Patricio Calderón, General Manager of Halcon Seguridad, reported that the lack of payment has severely impacted his company's operations. “Tromen is suffocating us financially,” Calderón told Radio Bío Bío.
The manager detailed that security services began in May, coinciding with the start of the plaza works. However, the company claims it has not received payment for outstanding invoices since December of last year.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Concepción has already issued fines to the construction firm for failing to meet the originally established deadlines. Local officials are continuing to review legal options to ensure the completion of the works in the area.