The Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation announced on March 27 the delivery of 136 Wasiymi rural homes in the Puno region. The initiative, carried out through the National Rural Housing Program, involved an investment of over S/8 million and aims to protect vulnerable families from harsh cold conditions.
This project is significant as it directly benefits 544 residents across five districts that face severe cold each year. The new bioclimatic homes are part of broader efforts to improve living conditions for those most at risk.
“The development of Puno is within our planning. That is why more than 544 residents from the districts of Caracoto, Atuncolla, Caminaca, Ilave and Huancané receive these 136 Wasiymi houses, which are not only infrastructure but also health. We build well-being, life, love because families grow with love,” said Minister Wilder Sifuentes Quilcate during a ceremony in Yanarico.
The Wasiymi homes—which means “My house” in Quechua—are designed to provide comfort and protection against low temperatures. Each unit now covers an area of 44 square meters compared to previous models with just 26 square meters. Features include two bedrooms, a living-dining room, a buffer area that reduces cold air entry, and a multipurpose space adaptable for family needs. All structures are earthquake-resistant.
According to ministry data since 2015 up until March this year, the National Rural Housing Program has built over 31,700 homes in Puno region alone—benefiting nearly 127,000 people with investments exceeding S/973 million. For this year alone (2026), there are plans to construct another 3,110 Wasiymi houses across several provinces including Azángaro and Chucuito.
Additionally between March and April this year evaluations are underway for more than 3,800 families nationwide—with over half located in Puno—to determine further support measures.
Construction is managed through Executive Nuclei organizations formed by beneficiary families themselves who oversee resource management directly—a model intended to encourage community participation and ensure transparency.
