Venezuela Invests $600 Million Per Year in Potable Water Access

During the celebrations of World Water Day on Tuesday, Roa explained that some of those resources have been directed to more than 1,500 community-led projects developed by local water committees in which more than 18,000 Venezuelans are participating.

With regard to infrastructure, Roa said significant work has been done, including the Winka aqueduct in Zulia state, the Bolivarian Aqueduct in Falcon state, and the Luisa Caceres Aqueduct in Sucre and Nueva Esparta states.

“The list of completed public works that have allowed improvement of potable water and water treatment systems is amazing compared to the number built before this last decade,” said Roa during a World Water Day event.

The Director of Hydrographic Basins of the Environment Ministry said access to potable water in Venezuela has increased from 81% in 1998 to 96% in 2010. The government has constructed aqueducts, water treatment plants, restored dams, upgraded existing water systems, and cleaned lakes and rivers.

Roa pointed out that the Venezuelan Constitution is at the vanguard in reference to the environment. “Indeed, the Constitution guarantees environmental protection at all levels and ensures the issue is incorporated into the education system so the public is aware and conscious of environmental issues.”

“It is important to reflect and reach a natural balance in the planet, which is not possible just with the necessary political will, but also by implementing plans and programs aimed at spreading environmental consciousness within the society,” he asserted.

In Venezuela, 96% of the population now has access to drinkable water and 3 million people have benefited from the creation of the Water Technical Tables. These achievements have helped the country reach the UN Development Goals.