The EU and CABEI inaugurate the project entitled “Introduction of Drinkable Water in the Punta Jocote Neighborhood”, Department of La Unión

El Salvador, May 23, 2008

The project will provide drinkable water services to the Punta Jocote Neighborhood, improving the quality of life for 8,155 residents of the municipality of Conchagua. This work was completed thanks to financing from ZONAF, Spanish Cooperation, and the Municipality of Conchagua The European Union (EU) and the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) inaugurated the project “Introduction of Drinkable Water in the Punta Jocote Neighborhood” in the municipality of Conchagua, Department of La Unión, El Salvador. The total cost of the project was US$809,651 and was completed thanks to the economic support of the EU and CABEI under the framework of Central American Border Zone Development Program (Spanish acronym ZONAF). The EU and CABEI disbursed US$302,316, with the Spanish Cooperation contributing US$302,316 and the Municipality of Conchagua adding US$351,268. The Punta de Jocote Neighborhood lacked a water distribution infrastructure, forcing some residents to travel for up to three hours to access drinkable water. The municipality of Conchagua thus gave an official request for assistance. By providing local residents drinkable water, the sanitary conditions of connected residencies will improve. Likewise, the mortality rate from gastrointestinal diseases will decrease, as well as the work load required from residents who are forced to go to travel to other areas for water. The project consisted of an artificial well and its corresponding pumping station, distribution lines, and home connectors with meters. About the EU and CABEI’s Central American Border Zone Development Program (ZONAF) ZONAF has two components: 1) Integral Development of Border Municipalities and the 2) Regional Program for the Management of Multinational Watersheds. ZONAF favors border projects aimed at improving access to the basic services of education, health care, and infrastructure, and the protection, conservation, and rational use of natural resources (especially water) with a focus on gender and ethnic groups. The program also allows for the financing of inter-municipal programs.