Water and Sanitation Program in the Metropolitan Area of Asuncion – Lambaré Basin

With more than 2 million people, the Metropolitan Area of Asuncion (MMA) is the most populated area in Paraguay, with only 30% of the population having access to a sewage network. This means that most of the Paraguayan population suffers from poor sanitary conditions and serious health issues.

In the framework of LACIF, the EU, AECID and IDB have come together with a total investment of over 161 million euros to support the Paraguayan government in addressing how essential water and sanitation services are considering the impact of the COVID 19 crisis. This high-priority project is set to build the capacities of the Paraguayan government to find sustainable solutions for people living in vulnerable conditions regarding water resources and services and adaptation to climate change.

The project has three components:

1. (i) Works: This component includes infrastructure to expand the sewage network and implement progressive solutions to wastewater treatment and reduced water losses. The component provides technical assistance for studies, designs and capacity building. It also considers the impact of the COVID 19 crisis, so therefore proper hygiene conditions with specific focus on handwashing are assured in critical places (hospitals, health structures, schools, nursing homes & public places)
2. (ii) Service management and studies: This component specifically addresses the needs on provision of water and sanitation services considering the impact of the COVID 19 crisis. Hygiene promotion is strengthened as it is one of the most effective measures to prevent the spread of diseases.
3. (iii) Project administration: This component includes project administration; monitoring and evaluation; and communication.