More than 2,600 residents in rural areas of Tumbes will have access to safe water following the delivery of a water tanker by the Ministry of Housing, Construction and Sanitation. The announcement was made on March 18. The new unit, with a capacity of 4,000 gallons, is intended to supply seven localities affected by heavy rains and help protect public health.
The initiative is being carried out through the National Rural Sanitation Program and will directly benefit people living in the districts of Papayal and Casitas. These communities have faced challenges accessing drinking water suitable for human consumption. The ministry said this action aims to reduce health risks, especially among children, older adults, and vulnerable families.
“This water tanker will ensure safe water during the emergency, protecting the health of the population. Our commitment is to act quickly and work together with local governments so that no Peruvian is left without access to this basic resource,” said Wilder Sifuentes Quilcate, Minister of Housing.
During their visit to the region, ministry staff supervised water distribution in La Palma in Papayal to ensure timely service delivery. They also visited Francos in San Jacinto to confirm continued supply via tankers.
This measure forms part of the sector’s response to emergencies caused by intense rainfall under Supreme Decrees No. 025-2026-PCM and No. 019-2026-PCM, which declared a state of emergency in these areas. The provision of tankers allows for immediate attention when basic services are interrupted in rural zones.
Previously, in 2025, the National Rural Sanitation Program delivered a tanker truck to the District Municipality of San Jacinto as part of efforts to strengthen support for communities with limited access to water. These actions expand coverage and improve responses during critical situations.
