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

With more than 2 million people, the Metropolitan Area of Asunción is Paraguay's most populous region. yet only 30% of the population has access to a sewage network. For the majority, poor sanitary conditions and serious health risks are an everyday reality. This project will change that, improving the quality of life for more than 480,000 Paraguayans. 

Objectives

Safe water and sanitation for Paraguay's most vulnerable communities 

The European Union supports the Paraguayan government in addressing urgent needs in essential water and sanitation services. This high-priority project - a Global Gateway Flagship in Paraguay - works to build government capacity to find sustainable solutions for people living in vulnerable conditions, ensuring access to sanitation, promoting community participation and responsible water use, and eliminating wastewater discharges that currently flow directly into the Paraguay River. 

Project activities

The project covers two main areas of activity: 

• Infrastructure works to expand the sewage network, implement progressive wastewater treatment solutions and reduce water losses, accompanied by technical assistance for studies, designs and capacity building, and targeted hygiene improvements in critical locations such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes and public spaces
• Service management and studies to address water and sanitation needs in the context of the Covid-19 crisis, with hygiene promotion as a central pillar of disease prevention 

(Expected) Results

The project is expected to deliver strategic investments in infrastructure, improved service delivery and better water resource management, while building resilience to future crises such as droughts and floods. More specifically, the project will: 

• Benefit 480,000 Paraguayans
• Improve access to sanitation and sewerage, with a focus on currently uncovered areas
• Reduce pollution of water bodies from untreated wastewater
• Upgrade water and sanitation services in a sustainable and lasting way 

Implementing partners

Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) 

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)