Ecuador boasts an extensive network of rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Its Andes Mountains and Amazon region provide the country with significant water resources. However, despite this geographical advantage, Ecuador needs help ensuring access to safe drinking water and sanitation services. Rural areas experience these gaps the most. In 2010, two million rural residents in Ecuador lacked access to drinking water services, and two and a half million lacked sanitation systems.
This was the reality for families living in the Balda Lupaxi community in Colta. María Guanolema, a resident, recalls their hardships before having proper sanitary facilities. They had to build makeshift septic pits outside their homes, often in small huts.
“We suffered a lot, especially the children. If they needed to use the restroom at night, it was dangerous to go outside because it was so dark,” María says.
Water and Sanitation for Rural Populations
Access to clean water and sanitation is crucial for health, development, and quality of life. To improve access the Rural Sanitation and Water Infrastructure Program (PIRSA) was launched in 2010 with funding from Spain and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
Disparities in water access reflect and perpetuate social and economic inequalities, disproportionately affecting the poorest and most isolated communities. Women and girls are particularly burdened, often sacrificing education or productive activities to collect water.
The PIRSA program benefited approximately 200,000 people in rural Ecuador by providing access to water and sanitation services.
Around 30% of PIRSA funds were allocated to the poorest communities, including areas with high rates of chronic malnutrition.
As part of this program, 23 potable water systems, 42 sanitary sewer systems, and 5,782 basic sanitation units (bathroom modules equipped with a toilet, shower, and sink) were constructed across more than 300 communities.
Ensuring access to high-quality water is a cornerstone in the fight against malnutrition. It helps prevent diseases that hinder proper nutrient absorption, supports hygiene essential for good health and nutrition, and facilitates the production of safe and nutritious food. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC), chronic child malnutrition affects 2 out of every 10 children under the age of 2 in Ecuador. Water quality tests revealed that 24.4% of households with children under 5 had E. coli bacteria at the source, while 36.7% showed its presence at the point of consumption (e.g., drinking glass). These figures highlight the critical need to strengthen potable water systems to ensure safe drinking water for human consumption.
Protecting Water Sources
Sanitation and sewer systems not only improve the quality of life for communities but are also crucial for protecting water sources. Safeguarding this resource is essential for daily life and subsistence while also supporting agriculture, fishing, and other economic activities.
According to an IDB report on agricultural, aquaculture, and fishing policies in Ecuador, between 2011 and 2021, the agricultural sector accounted for 8.1% of the country’s GDP. Additionally, the fishing and aquaculture sector has gained prominence in recent years, particularly with tuna and shrimp, which make up over 70% of the sector’s gross value added.
The significance of water resources extends beyond the local level. Rivers originating in the Andean highlands traverse vast regions, nourishing ecosystems and communities on their way to the ocean. Ecuador is home to 76 protected areas, many of which safeguard not only biodiversity but also vital water sources. Preserving reserves like Yasuní in the Amazon, Cotopaxi National Park, and the Antisana, Pululahua, and Ilinizas reserves is essential for regulating the hydrological cycle. These areas house glaciers, páramos, underground water systems, and rivers that are indispensable for communities and productive activities.
Community: The Key to Efficient Water Management
At the heart of successful water and sanitation management lies a fundamental principle: active community participation. When residents take part in caring for water resources and maintaining sanitation infrastructure, it not only promotes environmental sustainability but also strengthens social cohesion and empowers the community.Minga, a tradition deeply rooted in many cultures, particularly in the Andean region, is a powerful example of how community cooperation can support the construction and upkeep of water and sanitation infrastructure. This collective effort not only speeds up project implementation but also reduces costs and reinforces community bonds, fostering a sense of ownership and shared responsibility for water resources and environmental stewardship.
To facilitate community integration, the program included activities focused on sanitation education and the rational use of water. Over 100,000 residents from local communities received training, along with more than 1,000 members of community organizations responsible for operating the systems.
When communities take ownership of water and sanitation projects, a vital connection forms between the infrastructure and the people who use it daily. This sense of ownership fosters responsibility and care for resources and facilities, as they are perceived as belonging to the community.
Involving community members in every stage of the project, from planning to ongoing maintenance, promotes empowerment and autonomy. This approach not only ensures that local needs are addressed more effectively but also encourages collaboration and teamwork within the community. Ultimately, this sense of ownership enhances the sustainability of projects, ensuring their long-term functionality and creating a lasting positive impact on people’s quality of life.
This article is part of the series “Changing the World Through Water and Sanitation”, a collaboration between the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), highlighting the transformative impact of water and sanitation projects across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Leave a Reply