Ecuador aims to close the gap in the water and sanitation coverage o

The improvement and expansion of the potable water system in the parish of San Pablo del Lago in Otavalo reaches 99 percent. That is, almost all the population has access to potable water, improving the quality of life and health conditions of the inhabitants.

Cases such as San Pablo del Lago are the result of the initiative that Ecuador has carried out to achieve 95 percent coverage of potable water and sanitation for the whole country in 2017, according to the objectives of the National Development Plan. 

To fulfill the goal, the Promadec I and Promadec II programs have been carried out, with an investment of USD 855.7 million, financed by CAF and the Ecuadorean State, with the  Banco del Estado (BdE) as the executing agency throughout the national territory.   

Between the Promadec I and Promadec II, CAF has financed USD 500 million, which translates into 455 potable water, sanitary sewage, collection and disposal of solid residues projects that improve the conditions of life of 3.5 million inhabitants throughout the country. 

The projects have not only received resources for infrastructure, but also so that they can function with a sustainable model. For example, final design studies have been financed, together with supervision for the execution of works and studies, and resources have been allocated for institutional strengthening investments.  

It is expected that the project will start a third phase (Promadec III) to expand the current scope. For this stage, CAF signed a loan contract with the Ministry of Finance of Ecuador  and the BdE, for USD 275 million. Enrique Garcia, CAF's Executive President, expressed when signing the contract, "This project will improve the life conditions, health, and social inclusion of the inhabitants of rural and urban areas with the highest poverty indices in Ecuador".

The three Promadec phases are framed within the Prosaneamiento program, which channels the financing of infrastructure projects for water, sanitation, and technical assistance services to improve the quality of life of Ecuadoreans, and safeguard the sustainability of these services.