26 de February de 2025

Colegio Insular Robinson Crusoe tender advances with on-site visit by bidders

From Saturday, February 1, to Wednesday, February 5, a team of specialists from Desarrollo País, along with companies experienced in remote-area construction, visited the site to assess the unique logistical and structural challenges of the project.

As part of the public tender process for the design and construction of the new Robinson Crusoe Island School, specialists from Desarrollo País S.A., a state-owned company, alongside the Ministry of Education, the Public Education Directorate, and the Municipality of Juan Fernández, have begun technical site visits to the Juan Fernández Archipelago. The project aims to build a permanent educational facility to replace the school that was destroyed by the 2010 tsunami.

Between February 1 and February 5, a team from Desarrollo País, along with construction companies with expertise in remote areas, visited the site to evaluate the unique logistical and structural challenges of this large-scale initiative. The delegation also met with Mayor Pablo Manríquez and his municipal team, as well as representatives from the Robinson Crusoe Island School, to incorporate the perspectives of those who will ultimately use the new facility. Additionally, discussions were held with local suppliers, whose knowledge and experience will be critical in successfully executing the project in such a geographically challenging location.

Bidding companies have until Friday, February 21, to conduct on-site visits, which will be facilitated by municipal staff and school representatives.

Speaking about the project, Mayor Pablo Manríquez emphasized its importance: “The dream of building a new school on Robinson Crusoe Island is becoming a reality. When I took office in June 2021, alongside the previous municipal council, we made it a priority to secure a proper educational space for our children. We started from scratch—pushing for the project’s prioritization through President Boric, who announced it in his first address at La Moneda. We then worked on securing the land through an interministerial effort and, after multiple negotiations with the Ministry of Education, defined the methodology for design and construction. Assigning the project to a state-owned company has helped accelerate its execution. The presence of Desarrollo País, in charge of implementing the project, along with bidding companies visiting our island as part of the tender process, fills us with hope and confirms we are on the right path—working seriously and professionally.”

Patricio Rey, CEO of Desarrollo País, also highlighted the progress made:”After conducting feasibility studies, logistical and social analyses, and land appraisals, we have now launched the public tender for the school’s design and construction. Interested companies had until January 30, 2025, to submit their letters of intent. This has been a participatory process, involving conversations with the school community, island authorities, and local residents. The site visit marks a key step in engaging with well-established companies interested in submitting proposals. Given the island’s geography, climate conditions, and the logistical complexity of transporting materials, this project presents unique challenges. Our preparatory work has ensured that the specific needs and expectations of the future beneficiaries are fully integrated into the design”.

Following the site visits, a clarification period for inquiries will take place in March 2025. The contract is expected to be awarded in April, with construction beginning shortly thereafter. The school is projected to be completed by 2026, subject to weather and logistical factors affecting the construction timeline.