The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $150 million financing package to support improvements in water security, drinking water and sanitation services, and agricultural productivity in the Argentine province of Mendoza. The initiative is expected to benefit more than 1.6 million people through both direct and indirect impacts.
The programme aims to increase the availability and quality of water resources by upgrading wastewater treatment infrastructure and reinforcing water resource management systems, which play a key role in Mendoza’s economy.
“This operation will help strengthen the province’s water infrastructure, improve water and sanitation services for thousands of people, and support the growth of strategic productive activities for its economy. At the IDB, we continue to support projects that generate well-being, expand opportunities, and contribute to the development of Argentina’s provinces,” said Viviana Alva Hart, IDB Group representative in Argentina.
Planned actions include the replacement and metering of household drinking water connections, automation and modernization of wells, development of new infrastructure projects, upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities, improvements to drinking water treatment plants, and pilot initiatives focused on technological innovation.
Key investments encompass a new wastewater collection and treatment system in Villa Tulumaya, Lavalle; rehabilitation works at the Campo Espejo and Paramillo treatment plants; expansion and optimization of the Uspallata facility; and the construction of phases II and III of the Colonia Segovia wastewater collector.
According to the IDB, approximately 858,000 people will directly benefit from improved wastewater collection, treatment, and reuse services. Enhancements to drinking water service quality and efficiency are expected to directly reach 73,500 people and indirectly benefit a further 690,000 residents.
The programme will also help maintain irrigation on 7,000 hectares of productive farmland through the continuous supply of reclaimed water meeting required quality standards. In addition, it will strengthen the governance and operational management of Agua y Saneamiento Mendoza (AySAM), the province’s main water utility.
