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Although it is true that in island or isolated territories the cost of living may be somewhat higher, the inhabitants of Rapa Nui They accuse that on the island there is no pocket that can resist.
For example, him A kilo of bread can cost up to $ 4,000, an egg $ 500 and a liter of milk $ 2,100.
“And a yogurt is a luxury product,” Elizabeth Arévalo Pakarati, Rapa Nui regional councilor, told Radio Bío Bío.
Inside the island they accuse that the rise in product values is directly related to the airline Latam -which is the one that makes the routes from mainland Chile- and the increase in freight transport rates.
The counselor shares this theory.
“Freight prices have gone up, and it’s clearly logical from an operational point of view, but that has an impact. (…) It is unsustainable “, expressed Arévalo Pakarati.
The high price of food, added the counselor, is impacting the entire Rapanui people, who saw their income affected by the pandemic: “80% of the community was unemployed since the main engine of the island is tourism; and at least 700 families have survived thanks to programs like ProEmpleo, but with a very basic salary ”.
Today the island’s economy is sustained by people who work in public institutions and who have fixed incomes.
Faced with this scenario, Arévalo Pakarati indirectly alluded to the authorities, since “in a State of Exception, the distribution and supply chain must be ensured (…)” and more so in the case of an island territory, where the only bridge with continental territory “is by air or sea.”
He pointed out that on the island round the feeling of “abandonment”.
From the Latam airline, meanwhile – when mentioned by the increase in freight rates – they explained that it is “public” prices not unilateral, that respond to “operational costs” and that these have been maintained since September of last year.
They also indicated that since the beginning of the health crisis and the closure of Rapa Nui in March 2020, and “in the midst of the situation the company is going through,” they have continuously worked together with the authorities “to respond to the needs of the island, including supplies, repatriation flights and the transport of essential supplies ”.
During the present day, Uko Tongariki Tuki, director of tourism for Rapa Nui, referred to the situation of the “Safe Return” flights and supplies to said territory.
Regarding the supply, he explained that since the covid-19 pandemic began, a food sustainability plan so as not to depend so much on the continent.
Of course, he clarified that the connection with the continent and its resources is still necessary.
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