The TBM that will dig the trans-Andean tunnel reaches the Majes-Siguas II Project
1 July 2017
Construction was completed last June in China on the single-shield type TBM for subsequent to Peru.
The Majes-Siguas II Hydraulic project consists of the supply and regulation of water by transfer through tunnels and channels from the Apurimac and Colca River basins to the Majes and Sigua Pampas in the region of Arequipa. Aim is to build a 38,500 irrigation zone.
The Project is being undertaken at an altitude of between 4100 and 4800 metres above sea level. The following parts of the Project are currently underway:
- Provisional Pusa-Pusa 780 people.
- Access roads.
- Angostura dam. It will generate a reservoir of 1,140 Hm3. The dam is made of loose material with a clay core.
- Andamayo dam.
- Chalhuanca platform. Zone with the facilities necessary for the assembly and operation of the TBM to build the trans-Andean tunnel.
- Pucará and Trasandino tunnels. With a total length of 16 km, they will divert water from the Atlantic basin to the Pacific. Construction will be carried out with a single-shield TBM.
The TBM was manufactured and assembled in China following strict quality standards. On 7 September 2017, the TBM reached the port of Matarani, Peru. Following reception and transfer to the Project, it was put together and started up.
The governor for the regional government of Arequipa, Yamila Osorio, travelled to the facilities where the tunnel is being built to receive the TBM and show her support for the Project.