Bolivia to Build Reservoir for Drinking and Irrigation

The environment and water ministry of Bolivia is planning to build a $62m dam and reservoir to supply water for drinking and irrigation in La Paz Department.

According to state news agency ABI, the Las Peñas dam and reservoir will include a hydroelectric component as well as water basin management, benefiting the cities of La Paz, El Alto, Alto Peñas and Suriquiña, reports BNamericas.

Once construction is completed, the dam will provide 800l of water every second.

The national climate change programme, which is headed by the environment, biodiversity and climate change department of the environment and water ministry, will contribute $40m to the project.

Studies are currently being carried out to inform the project’s final design. It will estimate the hydrological capacity of nearby basins, water demand for drinking and irrigation, and design improvement plans for distribution systems to secure local supply for the next 30 years.