The Minister of Economic Development and Production, Juan Carlos Abud, announced on March 27 the inauguration of a new pedestrian and productive bridge in the town of Tunalito. The event was attended by Purmamarca Mayor Humberto López and Sebastián Luna, Operations Manager of the Quebrada Solar Train.
The bridge is intended to improve connectivity in the area, providing benefits for local producers as well as thousands of pilgrims who travel each year to the sanctuary of the Virgin of Punta Corral. The infrastructure aims to ensure a safe crossing over the river, especially during periods when traffic increases due to religious pilgrimages and growth in local production.
Abud said, “This was a request we had from the community; there was only a very short and precarious bridge before, and I believe that with what has been done now it really guarantees all pilgrims can cross the river without major problems, especially considering their great effort walking to see the Virgin.” He also acknowledged his team’s work: “I want to especially recognize Félix Pérez, Secretary of Development Agencies, who worked hard on this bridge so that today it is a reality.”
According to Abud, construction took 20 days and involved active participation from local residents, Purmamarca’s municipal authorities, his ministry, and management from the Quebrada Solar Train. He said this represented an example of public-private-community collaboration: “When you work together you can achieve many things.”
Besides its importance for religious tourism, officials say the bridge will help children reach their schools more easily and enable producers to transport crops from local gardens. “The community of Tunalito is growing significantly and has many gardens; this benefits them so they can move their produce,” Abud concluded.
Sebastián Luna said: “For us it is very important to support these kinds of initiatives that improve quality of life for communities and strengthen integration in the region.”
Officials expect that improved infrastructure like this will continue supporting both economic activity and social development within Tunalito.
