Investing in infrastructure is one of the measures repeatedly mentioned to combat the global financial crisis and a key priority for the “Vulnerability Fund” for developing countries called for by the World Bank. In Latin America, Peru and Colombia are examples of countries that are investing in the water sector as part of their anti-crisis plans:

Peru

• A trust created by Peru’s private pension fund managers (AFPs) is looking to invest in infrastructure projects such as the Huascacocha water transfer initiative and the Taboada wastewater treatment plant
• Peru’s ministerial council has approved a law to cut in half (from 60 to 30 days) the timeframe for awarding public potable water and sanitation tenders

Colombia

• President Álvaro Uribe announced that US$ 2 billion (€ 1.5 billion) would be spent on potable water initiatives as part of the country’s anti-crisis investment plan
• The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved US$ 250 million (€ 188 million) in rapid disbursement loans for water programmes

See also: Primo Braga, C.A. (2009). The financial crisis and its implications for infrastructure investments. Presentation for 2009 World Bank Water Week. Download here.

Source: BNamericas [subscription site], 27 Feb 2009 ; BNamericas, 27 Mar 2009 ; Eva Medalla, BNamericas, 28 Jan 2009 ; Jorge Porter, BNamericas, 27 Mar 2009

Tags: financing, latin america & caribbean, water supply