Peru: Cusco's archeological sites to be protected from El Niño

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  Photo: ANDINA/Difusión

20:06.

 Cusco, Sep. 07. Archaeological sites located in Cusco region are protected from emergency situations that may be caused by El Niño climate phenomenon, the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco (DDCC) affirmed.

According to DDCC head Ricardo Ruiz Caro, every year a S/.25 million budget (about US$7.81 million) is allocated for carrying out cleaning, maintenance and conservation works on Cusco’s over 200 archaeological sites such as: Machu Picchu, Sacsahaman, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Pisac, Tipon, Pikillaqta, Raqchi, Choquekirao and Vilcabamba among others.

For the project execution, the DDCC has employed an average of 500 people, including professional archaeologists.

"Additionally, a S/.2 million [about US$625,000] budget has been allocated for emergency works," he added.

"The facilities’ drainage systems, andenes and Inca trails are working properly thanks to the preservation works that will help to prevent emergency situations, in case El Niño leads to heavy rains," he explained. 

Likewise, the roofless stone walls will be covered with an impermeable mix, which prevents water from damaging the surfaces. It must be noted the cover is made of clay, sand and lime.