14:39 | Huarochiri (Lima region), Jul. 6.
Government investments worth S/2.50 billion (about US$757.57 million), in water projects, will ensure full access for Lima and Callao residents, President Ollanta Humala Tasso announced on Wednesday.
Mr. Humala indicated the current administration has worked on eight drinking water projects so far, five of which are currently under execution; the remaining three will be awarded soon.
"Water comprises a tireless revolution that must continue moving forward. In the future, water and sewage projects will enable [the State] to supply water to entire Lima and Callao regions," the top official said.
"We have done what should have been done 20 years ago [...]," he expressed.
"Peru is not an average poor country anymore. However, six million people live in poverty. They don’t eat 'average figures.' Thus, we work for those people," he stressed.
During his time in office, gaps in access to water services were reduced by 10 percentage points nationwide. Before 2011, 23% of citizens did not rely on this resource. The rate currently stands at 13%.
On the other hand, the Head of State informed that housing units are being built in rural areas.
Remarks were made during the inauguration ceremony of water works covering seven sectors located across Lurigancho-Chosica districts and Huarochiri province.
Projects will entail investments worth S/345.37 million (about US$104.66 million), financed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). The initiative will benefit 71,420 inhabitants.
(END) FHG/CCR/HMC/MVB
Published: 7/6/2016