The influence area of the new pulp mill includes the central and north-east regions of the country. It covers departments like Tacuarembó, Durazno, Florida and Cerro Largo (about 310 000 inhabitants in total).
The regions' main livelihood is based on cattle, agriculture and forestry. These are the least developed area of the country when looking at the share of households below the poverty line, as well as its capability for regional competitiveness (Departmental Development Indicator, CINVE 2007-2015). There are differences also in socioeconomic dimensions and roads. All these restrict the development of economic activities by the private sector, and at the same time reduce opportunities for employment and the possibility of infrastructure development.
UPM’s project represents a great opportunity for local and regional development that requires planned and joint work to maximise the benefits and positive impacts.
Get to know more about the local communities
As part of the housing solutions plan created in cooperation with the Uruguayan authorities, UPM is currently constructing temporary and permanent houses for the employees of the mill construction site. Located in Paso de los Toros, Pueblo Centenario, Carlos Reyles and Durazno city, these houses will provide accommodation for over 5,500 employees. After the completion of the mill construction, the temporary houses will be pulled down whereas the 60 permanent houses will be transferred to the state ownership.
All these houses are constructed by Uruguayan companies mostly from the interior of the country. The construction is estimated to generate employment for around 400 people at the construction peak.
The housing solutions plan is a complementary project to the construction of the pulp mill and was developed jointly with the MVOTMA, through the National Directorate of Land Planning (DINOT) and the National Directorate of Housing (DINAVI), the Planning and Budget Office (OPP), the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MTSS), the local authorities of Durazno and Tacuarembó departments, and UPM. Its main objective is the orderly arrival of workers as well as their positive integration into the communities.