Juliaca begins its transformation with the first stone of essential water and sanitation.

Juliaca is at a key moment for its urban and social development following the laying of the first stone of the Comprehensive Drinking Water and Sewage Project, a long-awaited initiative by its residents. The Minister of Housing, Construction, and Sanitation, Hania Pérez de Cuéllar, led this important event that promises to significantly improve the living conditions of more than 480,000 city residents. This project, which has been in waiting for almost half a century, is a milestone aimed at closing the gaps in access to basic drinking water and sanitation services in the Puno region. During the ceremony, Pérez de Cuéllar emphasized that the megaproject not only represents an improvement in infrastructure but also an act of reconciliation and hope for the community. "Today marks the end of a stage characterized by distrust, and above all, neglect on the part of the State," the minister stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration among authorities, technicians, and leaders to bring this initiative to fruition. The funding for the project comes from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), which has approved a total of 700 million dollars. This amount will not only cover the construction of the wastewater treatment plant but also includes the city's storm drainage system, a crucial aspect for preventing flooding and improving the quality of the urban environment. "This is the largest water and sanitation project in Peru, and it is being carried out in Puno, in Juliaca," the minister highlighted, celebrating the magnitude of this work that will finally address a historic need. The mayor of the province of San Román, Óscar Cáceres, also expressed support for the project, thanking the ministry for its openness to dialogue and willingness to work. "This long-awaited project would not be a reality without the perseverance of the 217 presidents and their leaders," the mayor stated, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in achieving this dream. The minister reported that all commitments established in the agreement signed in April 2024 have been fulfilled, which includes the rehabilitation of roads and training for residents through courses offered by the National Service for Training in Construction Industry (Sencico). These advancements are not only a step towards infrastructure development but also aim to empower the community through education. The start of construction is planned in a first phase that involves the rehabilitation and improvement of existing networks and equipment. The Ministry of Housing, through the National Urban Sanitation Program (PNSU), is committed to continuing work in parallel on the subsequent stages of the project. This approach ensures that, with the budget already secured, progress will be continuous and the completion of the work will be on the horizon. In a context where many communities still face challenges in accessing basic services, the attention Juliaca receives could serve as a model to follow. The commitment of the central government to address these needs is crucial, especially in regions that have been historically marginalized. Minister Pérez de Cuéllar, along with other officials present at the ceremony, reaffirmed that this project is a testament to the change that can be achieved when efforts are united. Despite the advancements, Juliaca's residents are aware that the path toward improving their infrastructure has not been easy and that much work remains to be done. Expectations are high, but the hope that this project will transform the city's reality is equally strong. The gaze of the people of Juliaca is set on the future, where access to drinking water and adequate sanitation is no longer a luxury but a guaranteed right. This event not only marks the beginning of a significant project but also serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration between the state and the community. The story of Juliaca is in the process of being rewritten, and each step in the construction of this megaproject is another brick in the building of a more just and equitable city.