More than 126,000 residents of western Costa Rica gain safer drinking water system with CABEI support
More than 126,000 residents of the cantons of San Ramón and Palmares, in the western part of Costa Rica’s Greater Metropolitan Area, now benefit from a more robust drinking water supply system following the completion of the San Ramón–Palmares Project, financed by the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), according to a press release issued on July 30, 2026. The initiative required an investment of more than US$15 million and included the construction of eight new reservoirs alongside strategic upgrades to existing water infrastructure. The project reinforces CABEI’s role in supporting essential public services in the region.
The San Ramón–Palmares Project began in September 2024 and forms part of the San José Metropolitan Area Water Supply Program, Urban Aqueducts II, and Sanitary Sewer System in Juanito Mora, Puntarenas (Program 2164), financed by CABEI. The initiative reflects the Bank’s continued engagement in strengthening water infrastructure across Costa Rica. It targets communities located in the western section of the country’s Greater Metropolitan Area.
The investment financed the construction of eight new storage tanks, the rehabilitation of three existing tanks, and the replacement of nearly 48 kilometers of piping. It also supported the construction of four pumping stations, the installation of 76 fire hydrants, and more than 2,500 household connections, among other measures. These works increase the system’s storage capacity by approximately 4 million liters, strengthening water security for local communities. The improvements are expected to enhance quality and continuity of service for decades to come.
The upgrades will benefit the communities of San Juan, San Isidro, Los Ángeles, Concepción, Alfaro, San Rafael, Santiago, and Piedades Norte in the canton of San Ramón, as well as Esquipulas, Buenos Aires, and La Granja in Palmares. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the President of the Republic and attended by Erwen Masís, Costa Rica’s Director to CABEI. During the event, the Bank reaffirmed its commitment to community development by presenting several donations to nonprofit organizations in the canton of San Ramón and other communities across the country.
The donations will contribute to the construction of the recreational park in the community of Los Ángeles, the organization of the traditional ox-herders’ parade, and other initiatives to equip schools. CABEI’s involvement reaffirms its commitment to developing projects that improve the population’s quality of life through access to essential public services. The completed works consolidate a long-term investment in Costa Rica’s water infrastructure and community welfare.