CAF supports potable water provision project for the Southern Region of the Province of Buenos Aires

In order to contribute to the development of the infrastructure necessary to improve the provision of potable water in the Southern Region of the Province of Buenos Aires, CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, approved USD 150 million for the execution of the Rio Colorado-Bahia Blanca aqueduct project that include the construction of a trunk aqueduct that is 120 kilometers in length and 1.20 meters in diameter, and its branches to places located along its course. 

CAF's loan will also contribute to improve the efficiency of the current potable water supply system through the development of studies and diagnoses, plans for the reduction of losses and for consumption, energy efficiency, network replacement plans, and identification of measures to ensure sustainability of the supply sources. 

"Enrique Garcia, CAF's Executive President, stated, "The development of infrastructure is a critical element for cities due to the impact it generates on the services for the population, which directly influence the quality of life of its inhabitants". 

Currently, the Bahia Blanca area faces severe restrictions due to the limitations of the supply from the main supply source during the recurring drought periods, the contamination of the underground water sources, and the high supply costs, among others. The objective of the project is to supply water to the urban centers of the Southern Region of the Province of Buenos Aires by purifying and later conducting water from the Rio Colorado, contributing with a higher quality and reliable potable water source.  

The estimated total cost of the first stage of the project reaches USD 187.5 million, of which CAF will finance USD 150 million (equivalent to 80 percent), and USD 37.5 million will come from the provincial local counterpart. 

Thus, CAF seeks to generate the conditions to ensure the adequate management of basic services through new investments and strengthening of the institutional framework of the companies that are responsible for the management of the water service in the region.