BBVA Mexico has recently disclosed a credit operation with Mitsui & Co. Infrastructure Solutions (MITinfra) amounting to 1,190 million pesos (approximately US$73 million). This collaboration aims to bolster the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) known as "El Ahogado," situated in Tlajomulco de Zúñiga, Jalisco.
The expansion project, in tandem with the existing facility, is slated to process 3,250 liters per second, effectively treating 75% of the water discharged into the Santiago River. This initiative is expected to benefit over 5.2 million inhabitants in the region. Additionally, the project incorporates innovative methods such as utilizing biosolids to generate electricity.
Álvaro Vaqueiro Ussel, General Manager of Corporate and Investment Banking at BBVA Mexico, underscored the institution's commitment to water infrastructure projects in Mexico, emphasizing the significance of responsible water management. Regarding the partnership with MITinfra, Vaqueiro expressed gratitude, acknowledging their pivotal role in the nation's development.
This initiative is expected to benefit over 5.2 million inhabitants in the region
Ichikawa Makoto, President and CEO of MITinfra, emphasized the project's alignment with their sustainability goals. He highlighted MITinfra's dedication to addressing societal challenges through sustainable solutions, emphasizing the importance of responsible water management for Mexico's future prosperity.
The expansion project encompasses various aspects including design, construction, equipment installation, testing, operation, and maintenance necessary to enhance the WWTP's capacity to treat 1,000 liters per second. Furthermore, it involves filtration and disinfection processes using ozone, significantly elevating the plant's treatment capacity.
Notably, the treated water will meet the stringent standards outlined in NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021, enabling its reuse for industrial, agricultural, recreational, and urban purposes. Moreover, the project entails responsible disposal of organic waste and solids generated during treatment, with plans to utilize them for electricity generation, rendering the facility 50% self-sustainable in terms of electricity consumption.
This initiative marks a significant stride towards sustainable water management in Jalisco, setting a precedent for environmentally conscious infrastructure development in Mexico.
