CG/LA identifies US$1.17bn in strategic Mexican water projects

Infrastructure group CG/LA has identified US$1.17bn worth of strategic water projects for Mexico, according to a list of 100 infrastructure projects in Latin America. The list, "represents the best projects with strong business opportunities in Latin America over the next three to 18 months," according to a release from CG/LA. Some 11 water projects are included on the list, with three relating to Mexican projects. The national water commission, Conagua, is expected to publish a plan in May that will identify all of the strategic water projects it plans to carry out over the next six years. TOP PROJECTS The biggest value project is the US$700mn clean-up of the Valsequillo Lake in Puebla state. Puebla state's urban development and public works ministry is currently carrying out feasibility studies for the lake clean-up with a view to improve irrigation in the region. Untreated wastewater is currently being discharged into the lake and the surrounding Atoyac river basin due to the lack of operational wastewater treatment plants in the region. The second project on the list relates to construction of the US$403mn third line for Mexico City's Cutzamala water distribution system. Conagua is currently preparing a tender and works are expected to start this year. The Cutzamala system currently consists of two distribution lines and draws water from seven dams in the Mexico Valley. In operation for 30 years, the system requires extensive maintenance work that will be possible once a third line is built. The system supplies some 14,000l/s of water to Mexico City and Toluca. The smallest project on the list refers to the US$64mn replacement of the Gran Canal drainage tunnel in Mexico City. Conagua is currently carrying out feasibility studies for the project.