Improving water supply and sanitation services in La Guajira, Colombia

Delivering water supply and sanitation services in La Guajira, presented particular challenges: water was scarce, managerial capacity was limited, and the gap in infrastructure was significant.

In response, the Department of La Guajira strengthened the performance of municipal public service companies by involving the private sector in service delivery. Seven municipalities integrated commercially independent private utilities, leading to improved access to water and sanitation service for 409,160 and 362,131 urban residents, respectively.

Between 2007 and 2018, the project improved WSS (water supply and sanitation) services for 422,269 beneficiaries in La Guajira’s poorest areas, of whom around 51 percent were female. In urban areas, the project delivered the needed WSS infrastructure and enhanced utilities’ institutional performance.

In rural areas, the project supported the construction of 10 reservoirs and ancillary infrastructure (including fences, livestock drinking points, and dam safety measures).

The World Bank, through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), provided US$71.4 million toward the total project costs of US$139.6 million.

Original source: World Bank
Published on 23 April 2019