Building Bolivia’s Tunnel Of Love

Three Chilean architects - Carlos Martner, Fernando Castillo Velasco and Humberto Eliash - say they can build a tunnel linking landlocked Bolivia to the Pacific Ocean. Bolivia has not had access to the ocean since it lost its maritime border  to Chile in the Pacific War of 1879. Since then, the two South American countries have had a tense relationship as Bolivia has kept demanding access to the Pacific.

The proposed tunnel would stretch 93 miles from the Bolivian border to an artificial island built in the Pacific Ocean using earth dug to build the tunnel. 

The architects say the idea for the tunnel was somewhat poetic. Explains Eliash:

Poets say that we must build a bridge between Bolivia and the Pacific that jumps over Chile. We wanted to see if it could work in reality.

However figurative their inspiration may be, the architects acknowledge the planning and work - as well as the red tape - that will go into building their project:

There is little doubt that the technical challenges can be solved. I think the economic problems can also be sorted out. The only barriers to overcome are political.

As it stands, the plan for the tunnel would have it run under the Line of Concord, which separates Chile and Peru, because that particular area is free of mine and cables that would potentially endanger or hold up construction of the tunnel. The only problem is, the Line of Concord marks a border disputed by Chile and Peru. For construction to begin, Peru would have to give its approval - something that seems unlikely to happen given Peru and Bolivia are currently in dispute over Peru having granted asylum to former Bolivian opposition leaders. Additionally, the waters in which the architects propose building the island are claimed by both Peru and Chile.

So far, the Chilean government has shown interest in learning more about the tunnel, while Bolivia and Peru have remained quiet.

At a press conference held Monday, Chilean Foreign Minister Mariano Fernandez voiced his support for the plans, saying: “This government is open to all suggestions and ideas that signify progress for Latin American integration. [...] At this point, I want to listen, to see the project and to talk.”

We think the tunnel sounds like a cool idea, although it will probably cause some tension where matters of immigration and security are concerned. These concerns could easily be nullified, however, with the addition of a slip ‘n slide and a futuristic bowling alley called “Bowlivia.” International fare, like “CHILE con carne,” would be served at the “PERUse and Choose” buffet. Everybody wins.

A tunnel to unite old rivals? [BBC]