Andina

Peru President: Gov't places emphasis on drinking water, healthcare and education

15:06 | Camana (Arequipa region), Jun. 22.

The Government's priority is to provide basic services to the population such as drinking water, healthcare, and education, President Martin Vizcarra said as he visited Peru's southern Arequipa region to monitor road and sanitation works on Friday.

Speaking from Camana City, where he supervised drinking water systems, the statesman said this work entailed an investment of nearly S/90 million (about US$27.4 million) and includes a water treatment plant, a reservoir, and the water distribution.

According to the Peruvian leader, the central Government has provided S/11 million (about US$3.35 million) to the city council to complete the works this year, and thus ensure the project's completion.

Also, the Head of State announced the allocation of an additional S/4 million (about US$1.21 million) to provide drinking water services in unmapped areas through a gravity-fed water system that is set to work without electricity.


Following a dialogue with locals and authorities, Peru's top official disclosed that the Government will soon launch a tender for remaining works at State-run Educational Center N° 41, with a budget of S/11 million (about US$3.35 million).

"We will keep an eye on this project to avoid the situation in which a work is started and then abandoned when it did not even reach 50% completion," Vizcarra pointed out.

"We are going to be vigilant so that it (the project) is certainly completed. These are the needs you rightly demand," he added.

He went on to note his administration will work hand-in-hand with regional and local authorities until their last day in office.

Likewise, he pledged to join efforts —in the immediate term— with the future officials, who will take up their duties in January 2019 after the October 2018 elections.

(END) FHG/CVC/RMB/MVB

Published: 6/22/2018