The Development Bank supports the event, a collaboration between the Uruguayan Obras Sanitarias del Estado (OSE – State Sanitary Works Administration), the Julio Ricaldoni Foundation of the Faculty of Engineering (University of the Republic, Uruguay), and the International Water Association (IWA). Co-sponsored by the World Health Organization (WHO), the conference aims to delve into the latest developments, learnings, and critical challenges of the sustainable provision of safe and dependable drinking water services.

The representative of FONPLATA, Eduardo Bogado, Project Specialist, gave a presentation on the status of safe water services coverage in MERCOSUR countries, highlighting the main challenges and opportunities for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation”. He also referred briefly to the works conducted by the Development Bank in Uruguay to strengthen water and sanitation services.

When the Uruguayan government declared the water emergency in 2023, FONPLATA approved in record time a loan operation for USD 60 million to maintain the quality and continuity of water supply to more than 60% of the population to mitigate risks to human health and ecosystems. Furthermore, in 2024, FONPLATA approved a USD 55 million loan operation for the expansion and improvement of drinking water services, among others, in the Department of Maldonado, the third most populated in Uruguay. This will improve the water supply to approximately 200,000 people in the region.

The event, held in Montevideo from September 4 to 6, featured research and academic papers by water professionals, operators, regulators, and decision-makers from different parts of the world. FONPLATA’s support is based on its mandate to promote the integration and development of its member countries.

09/06/2024