IN BRIEF: El Salvador approves French loan for Las Pavas works

El Salvador's legislative assembly has approved a French-backed 53mn euro (US$57.6mn) loan that will go towards upgrading and expanding the Las Pavas potable water treatment plant, which serves capital San Salvador.

The loan came with a favorable interest rate and repayment terms for the much-needed project, which will supply industrial and human consumption needs, according to a press release from the legislative assembly.

Works at Las Pavas will increase the plant's treatment capacity to 3m3/s, improve pipelines and reduce energy costs at the facility. The water from Las Pavas supplies around 65% of the population of San Salvador, although the facility has been operating at nearly half its capacity due to its antiquated infrastructure.