Securing Affordable Water & Progressing Water Rights
As we finish the month of August, Vera Aqua Vera Vita is pleased to share significant progress in our ongoing projects in Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones, Peru. Our efforts this month have focused on negotiating better rates for water access in Las Mercedes KM11 and moving closer to securing full water rights in Cerro de Leones.
Las Mercedes KM11: Negotiating a More Accessible Water Rate
Securing a More Sustainable Water Rate
In a significant victory for the community of Las Mercedes KM11, we successfully negotiated a lower rate for water access with EPS Grau and GRP. On August 15th, an agreement was reached to reduce the rate from the initially proposed 4.0 Soles per cubic meter to S/.2.5 per cubic meter. This new rate ensures even longer-term accessibility for the entire community! The original rate was already considered affordable, so this reduction is a huge benefit to an overall reduction in the operation costs, allowing every community member to cover the necessary costs with even more ease.
Finalizing the Agreement
To solidify this achievement, an agreement was signed on August 20th by Vera Aqua Vera Vita, the leaders of Las Mercedes KM11, and GRP. We are currently awaiting the final signature from EPS Grau, which we expect to receive within the first week of September. This signed agreement will ensure that the community has a written record of the S/.2.5 per cubic meter deal, providing an affordable water source for all.
Cerro de Leones: Moving Closer to Securing Water Rights
Progress with Local Authorities
In Cerro de Leones, our focus remains on securing the necessary water rights to move forward with our project for the community’s 600+ residents. Gratefully we have received positive news from the Chira Piura Water Resources Council on August 9th—they have issued a favorable opinion on our request, and finally, after months of waiting, the San Lorenzo Local Water Authority is nearing completion of its assessment of our Water Rights Request submitted to ANA through the TUPA 13 application. This positive feedback sets the stage for a successful outcome which hope to receive their final decision soon.
Next Steps
With a favorable opinion from the Chira Piura Water Resources Council, we are optimistic about the outcome from the San Lorenzo Water Local Authority. Once we secure the water rights, we can move forward with the additional steps required to provide a reliable and sustainable water solution for Cerro de Leones, including finalizing construction designs for their clean water solution.
Continued Commitment and Gratitude
The progress in both Las Mercedes KM11 and Cerro de Leones underscores Vera Aqua Vera Vita’s commitment to securing sustainable water solutions for these communities. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our partners, stakeholders, and the broader community. Your continued involvement is crucial as we work towards a future where every person has access to safe, clean water. Click below to learn more about our local initiatives, international trips, and more!
