Following the major earthquake of 27 February, the British Embassy in Santiago has been approached by the Chilean Ministry of the Interior to ask for help identifying UK demolition companies with specialised expertise in bringing down unsafe buildings.
There are seven buildings in the cities of Concepcion, Talca and elsewhere in the most affected region, that are in serious danger of collapse. Some can be brought down in a controlled explosion, others might need to be taken apart bit by bit.
Due to a lack of the relevant expertise in Chile, the Chilean Government are looking to UK demolition contractors to aid with the works.
There is due to be a truncated official bidding process on a commercial basis, though the Government of Chile is expected to favour anyone prepared to do the job at a discount so this opportunity is set to be of particular interest to companies who are looking at broader opportunities in the Chilean market.
The Government of Chile are looking for companies to respond quickly and to demonstrate international experience of similar work before making their decision. Ahead of the bidding process, the English-speaking Chief of Staff to the Minister is expected to talk with representatives of major UK companies who might be interested in bidding for the works.
