The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation announced on Apr. 23 the start of a project to improve and expand drinking water and sanitation services in the rural community of Cotataqui, located in Písac, Calca. The initiative involves an investment of S/3,101,301.42 and is expected to benefit 230 Quechua-speaking residents living at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level.
This project aims to close long-standing gaps by providing safe access to basic services for families who have faced limited water availability for years. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is expected to reduce disease rates and improve health outcomes for children, older adults, and the entire community.
The construction includes a potable water system with spring intakes, pipelines, two reservoirs (10 m³ and 6 m³), distribution networks, household connections, as well as the installation of 65 Basic Sanitation Units with hydraulic flush toilets for homes and institutions. This infrastructure will help ensure dignified sanitary conditions across Cotataqui.
“This is a decisive step toward closing historical gaps in rural areas of the country. We are bringing safe water and sanitation to families who urgently need it, improving their health and quality of life. That is our management’s commitment,” said Minister Wilder Sifuentes Quilcate.
According to the official website, the Ministry develops policies that promote sustainable access to housing, construction projects like this one for Peruvians’ benefit. The ministry operates as an autonomous entity within the Peruvian Executive Branch established by Law No. 27779 according to its official website, with its headquarters based in San Isidro (Lima) alongside regional Centers of Citizen Attention across Peru as noted online. It issues policies supporting sustainable development related to housing and water management according to its official site.
The project will be executed under the Executor Core modality within PIASAR (Integral Rural Water & Sanitation Program) from PNSR (National Rural Sanitation Program), financed by the Inter-American Development Bank over a period of 180 calendar days. Local employment opportunities are also expected during implementation while encouraging community participation.
Looking ahead, officials say such initiatives reaffirm their commitment “to promote projects that bring quality water and sanitation services to more rural communities,” contributing broadly “to the well-being and development” of many Peruvian families.
