Andina

Peru's President: Water projects to strengthen agricultural productivity, quality of life

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

Photo: ANDINA/Presidency of the Republic of Peru

13:38 | Piura (Piura region), Dec. 12.

President Dina Boluarte on Thursday stated that the Alto Piura Special Hydroelectric Project and the Poechos Reservoir will strengthen agricultural productivity and help improve the quality of life of thousands of families in Piura region, northern Peru.

During the signing ceremony of agreements between Piura Regional Government and the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) for the development of these public works, the Head of State said these two crucial agreements will enhance the region's water infrastructure.

"The Alto Piura Special Hydroelectric Project is a decisive step toward improving the hydraulic infrastructure of Piura. It will benefit farmers in the highland area by ensuring the supply of water for irrigation throughout the year, especially in the most critical months," she noted.

The project will also have a direct positive impact on food security, job creation, and sustainable agriculture development, Mrs. Boluarte said.

"It will benefit 20,000 families; 19,000 new hectares of agricultural land will be added, and irrigation will be improved on 33,000 existing hectares. It will be a driving force for many families who depend on agriculture for their livelihood," she stated.

The top official said the 2025 budget allocates S/365 million (about US$98.28 million) for the unblocking of the Alto Piura Project, which guarantees its financing, and requested that the work be carried out within the planned dates.

The second agreement, related to the Poechos reservoir, is also of vital importance to ensure the supply of water for agricultural activities in the region and for the population, Mrs. Boluarte indicated.

"Poechos is an emblematic project that will significantly contribute to regulating the flow of water, improving its distribution and availability in the area. This is a clear example of the close collaboration between various levels of government to achieve the common goals of sustainable development, the population’s well-being, and the strengthening of agricultural sector," she pointed out.

The top official stressed that her government's priority is to work collaboratively across all levels of government, because what matters is not focusing on who is developing the project, but ensuring that "it is done transparently, without stealing a single Sol (Peruvian currency) from the people."

President Boluarte stated that the problem of water scarcity is not only present in Peru, but also in neighboring countries that face electricity shortages as well.

"It is a global problem, but we, as a government, in a sincere and honest embrace with regional governments and municipalities, work together to solve Peru's problems. We are committed to ensuring that Piura and the brothers dedicated to agricultural activities have (access to) the vital element and continue working," she pointed out.

Lastly, the President said that her government seeks to solve the country's problems and is characterized by promoting joint efforts with all regions of the country, as it does with Piura, a dynamic that will continue until the end of her term, in July 2026.

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Published: 12/12/2024