Through social networks, residents of Coquimbo accused that a large part of the beach is occupied by people who charge to use tables and chairs. In the municipality they clarified that the land is concessioned to private parties by the Navy.
Coquimbo authorities faced a citizen complaint that took place on the beach of the peninsula of Totoralilloby people who charge 10 thousand pesos to beach visitors for using spaces in the sector.
In particular, they do not charge for access, but rather for the use of tables and chairs, but the complaint indicates that those who have the concession of the land they have occupied up to 90% of the beachforcing visitors to opt for this option.
A user of They transformed the beach into a business that borders on illegality“.
In a video, they claim that there is a person who demands payment for the use of a chair. At the same time, they summoned the municipality, who clarified that the concession is not the responsibility of the municipality.
His post was quickly responded to by the deputy Daniel Manouchehri (PS), representative of the region and brother of the mayor of Coquimbo Ali Manouchehri. The parliamentarian assured that they take this into account, but that the land is not municipal.
“Concession in Totoralillo is NOT municipal. Just yesterday with the mayor of Coquimbo we were at the undersecretary of the Armed Forces to request its expiration. We requested this same thing more than a year ago. That space should be used for people“, answered the deputy.
Following the request of the community representatives, a working group was established to find a solution.
Can someone from the Municipality of Coquimbo explain to us what is happening with Totoralillo beach? Practically 90% of the place is occupied by a concession that charges $10,000 pesos for using a public space. They transformed the beach into a business that borders on… pic.twitter.com/bBK0NNr2vt
– Carlos. (@PaisSponge) November 12, 2024
Coquimbo’s request
The mayor of Coquimbo confirmed that they held this meeting and that they made the request official. The problem is that the The Navy concessioned the land to private individuals, who carried out the collections.
The request of the communal chief and the deputy was the revocation of the concession.
Ali Manouchehri stated that “we came to propose to the teams of the undersecretary the possibility of establishing a technical table that allows us to advance in the revocation of the concession that is granted to the Totoralillo peninsula”.
Along these lines, the authority stated that “we know that it is a demand that neighbors have had for a long time. And we also know and are aware of the countless breaches that have occurred. So we hope to be able to provide a quick solution to those projects that Coquimbanos and Coquimbanas want so much through these working groups.”
2024-11-12 19:30:00
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Mariana Sanz, an expert in coastal management and public policy. We appreciate your insights on the recent controversy surrounding Totoralillo Beach in Coquimbo.
Dr. Mariana Sanz (Dr. S): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important issue.
TNE: As you may know, residents are raising concerns that a significant portion of Totoralillo Beach is occupied by private parties charging visitors 10,000 pesos for tables and chairs. What are your thoughts on this situation?
Dr. S: It’s quite alarming. The beach is a public space, and while it’s normal for some commercialization to occur, the extent of this concession—nearly 90% of the beach—is problematic. People should have the right to access public resources without excessive fees.
TNE: Indeed. The local authorities have stated that the land is concessioned to private parties by the Navy, and they don’t have jurisdiction over it. How can such a concession be justified from a public interest perspective?
Dr. S: Concessions can be useful for managing public spaces, especially for maintaining facilities and services. However, when a private entity monopolizes such a large area, it raises questions about equitable access. There should be a balance between commercial interests and public use, which currently seems skewed in favor of the latter.
TNE: Interestingly, Deputy Daniel Manouchehri has mentioned that they are requesting the expiration of this concession. What steps can be taken to ensure that the beach is returned to public use?
Dr. S: It’s promising to hear that the deputy is taking action. First, they must formally lodge a complaint with the relevant authorities—the Undersecretary of the Armed Forces in this case—since the Navy holds the rights. If they find that the concession is being abused or violates any regulations, they can initiate termination proceedings. Additionally, public pressure through community organization can be influential in pushing for change.
TNE: Social media has played a significant role in this situation, with residents voicing their concerns online. How important is public sentiment in cases like these?
Dr. S: Public sentiment is crucial. It serves as a catalyst for change and can bring attention to issues that might otherwise remain ignored. In the age of social media, collective voices can mobilize action more rapidly than before. The community’s mobilization reflects the importance of public spaces—beaches are vital for social, recreational, and economic activities.
TNE: Speaking of community engagement, a working group has been established to find a solution. What should this group prioritize in their discussions?
Dr. S: Their primary focus should be on ensuring equitable access to the beach for all residents and visitors. This includes reevaluating the terms of the current concession and possibly creating a new model that allows for controlled commercialization without impinging on public access. They should also consider implementing regulations on how much of the space can be occupied and at what cost.
TNE: What could be the long-term implications for Coquimbo if this issue isn’t resolved?
Dr. S: If left unaddressed, we may witness increased community resentment, potential legal battles, and a decline in tourism, which is pivotal for the local economy. Moreover, it sets a concerning precedent for user rights to public lands, leading to further privatization of communal resources.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. S, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s essential for communities to stand up for their rights to public spaces, and we hope for a swift resolution to the concerns at Totoralillo Beach.
Dr. S: Thank you for shining a light on this issue. It’s vital for everyone to engage and advocate for their public spaces.