San José, May 8, 2015. - In order to strengthen water resource management, improve water quality and contribute to the health of Costa Ricans, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) maintains an approved portfolio amounting to US$103.5 million for the Costa Rican Potable Water Supply Program; the Program involves 40 projects on a national level that will benefit an estimated one million four hundred and eighty-seven thousand inhabitants.

In addition, in 2013 CABEI approved US$130.0 million to finance the Project to Reduce Unaccounted Water and Optimize Energy Efficiency with support from the German government’s KFW Bank.

This project aims to reduce water loss by up to 17% by replacing more than 860 km of pipelines and installing 876 water metering stations and 347,360 household meters. Currently, the project is in the formalization stage; its execution is expected to benefit more than 1.6 million users throughout Costa Rica.

In 2015, CABEI plans to support the Costa Rican government’s Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AYA) with a second water supply program amounting to US$150.0 million. The project consists of 14 projects that will improve and strengthen the national aqueduct system. Approximately 544,603 inhabitants will benefit from this new project.

CABEI began a cycle of lectures by experts on issues related to water and sanitation in the framework of an event organized by the AyA denominated "Expoagua Costa Rica 2015," which was part of its 54th anniversary celebrations. At the event, CABEI received an important recognition for the significant support it has provided to AyA.

The two-day event included lectures from representatives of different institutions regarding important issues for promoting investment and initiatives to improve the quality of life and health of Costa Ricans by ensuring adequate water treatment and proper water resource care in the country. In addition, different institutions and organizations presented their products and services at a large number of stands at AyA’s central offices.

CABEI’s presentation entitled, "Water’s Social Cycle: How can the country make progress with respect to sanitation," was presented by CABEI’s Human Development and Social Infrastructure specialist, Ms. Veronica Ruiz. The presentation focused on the development and implementation of Public Sanitation Policy on a national level, involving all institutions related to sanitation based on the development of collective awareness and public support to carry out the investments required by the country in this regard.

The event was held at AyA’s central offices in San José, Costa Rica during April 29 and 30, 2015.