Govt to invest US$250mn in water network

Uruguay's ministry of housing, territorial planning and environment intends to make a US$250mn investment in waterworks to expand services throughout the country, minister Mariano Arana announced on the presidential website. The ministry aims to increase the current sewerage network's wastewater handling capacity in urban areas, thereby benefiting a large number of homes, a ministry official told BNamericas. Investments will also be made in the construction of rainwater drainage systems in departments Canelones and Maldonado, said the official. Currently, during periods of heavy rainfall the existing systems are put under a great amount of pressure. This results in manhole covers being blown off, often causing damage, he added. Other works to be taken on include expanding the water and sewerage networks in coastal towns in the Canelones department, as well as in departments Cerro Largo, Salto, Paysandú, Río Negro and Colonia. Arana was unavailable for comment when BNamericas contacted his office to ask about timelines and how the project will be financed. The ministry official was unable to comment on these issues. The investment will be made through the public water utility OSE.