The Ministry of Environment and Energy delivered technical approvals on Apr. 2 for drinking water, sanitary, and stormwater drainage projects in the sectors of La Palma, Vinchoa Grande, Vinchoa Chaquisca, Vinchoa La Y, Sinche, and Tanquizan in the canton of Guaranda.
These technical approvals confirm institutional support for feasibility studies presented by the Municipal Government of Guaranda. The total investment across these projects exceeds USD 3.5 million and is expected to improve potable water and sewage systems for about 4,100 residents in both rural and urban areas.
In La Palma sector within Salinas parish, feasibility studies and final designs will be carried out for a sanitary sewerage system, stormwater management, and potable water supply with an investment of USD 874,715. This project aims to benefit 806 people through the development of three spring captures, a drinking water treatment plant, and a sanitary sewerage system that includes an Imhoff tank with anaerobic filters.
For the sectors Vinchoa Grande, Vinchoa Chaquisca, and Vinchoa La Y in Veintimilla parish, planned works involve an investment of USD 2.08 million to benefit over 2,100 residents. The proposal includes constructing three independent wastewater treatment plants as well as fourteen basic sanitation units intended for areas that are difficult to access.
Additionally in Sinche Grande and Tanquizan (Guanujo parish), more than USD 566 thousand will be allocated to serve approximately 1,176 inhabitants through infrastructure designed to treat wastewater by gravity before it returns cleanly to local rivers.
According to the Ministry’s statement from Apr. 2: “Currently these communities present limitations in adequate management of wastewater with latrines or direct discharges causing environmental contamination risks.” The ministry said these actions strengthen local governance over water resources while reducing sources of environmental pollution across Salinas, Veintimilla,and Guanujo parishes.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment “to work jointly with local governments and communities prioritizing access to water as a fundamental right as well as a driver for sustainable development in rural areas.”
