UNICEF and Venezuela repair water systems after earthquakes
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UNICEF and Venezuelan authorities will begin repairing damaged water and sanitation infrastructure in La Guaira, Venezuela, in October.
The work will focus on the Mamo and Naiguatá water treatment plants, which sustained damage during earthquakes in June. UNICEF spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric announced the plan during a press conference for the United Nations. The repairs aim to improve water services for up to 250,000 people in the coastal region affected by the earthquakes.
UNICEF explained that restoring reliable and sustainable services is a key step after the earthquakes caused widespread fatalities. The project includes strengthening pumping capacity and increasing the production of potable water to expand the water supply through the local distribution network. Manuel Rodríguez Pumarol, UNICEF’s representative in Venezuela, stated that ensuring children have access to safe water is the priority, and the next step is maintaining continuous access to water and sanitation.
UNICEF has allocated $25.7 million to address the emergency, but the organization reports a $40 million budget shortfall to cover all operational needs. Currently, projects focused on water, sanitation, and hygiene are only 24 percent funded, so UNICEF is seeking additional financial support.
