Water and Sanitation

IN SUMMARY

Latin American and Caribbean countries are committed to universal access to clean water and sanitation.

However, they still face major challenges: 200 million people do not have access to a drinking water network; almost 500 million are not connected to a sanitation network; and only 30% of wastewater is treated. Furthermore, in many cases these services do not reach the required levels of quality, safety, and efficiency.

CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

To close the coverage gap, current investments will need to be doubled, which requires greater participation of the private sector. The economic and social impacts of water and sanitation improvements are well known, since the most vulnerable and lower income segments, especially women and girls, suffer most from the lack of these services.

While global demand for water increases, changes in rainfall patterns and droughts affect aquifers and test the stability of supply while storms and hurricanes can affect physical infrastructure. Latin America and the Caribbean need comprehensive solutions that take adaptation to climate change into account.

OUR STRATEGY

We offer innovative financial solutions for the development and operation of sustainable W&S infrastructure projects, promoting greater coverage, quality, and efficiency of services.

IDB Group is the sector leader in Latin America and the Caribbean, with annual disbursements of more than US$ 1 billion. We also mobilize private capital, offer mixed financing, and provide technical assistance to improve efficiency in the provision of services as well as on climate change, corporate governance, and gender equality.

OUR
COMMITMENT

We offer innovative financial products coupled with advisory services and insight to improve efficiency, strengthen corporate governance, and boost financing. The IDB Group is also involved in the development, implementation, and operation of public-private partnerships (PPP) and works together with governments to develop the necessary regulatory framework for private investment.

We have experience and knowledge in diverse areas such as solid waste management, desalination, wastewater treatment and reuse, smart water infrastructure technologies, and reduction of non-revenue water usage. Our sectoral expertise combined with our ability to create innovative products make us the partner of choice to find solutions that promote the sector's development.

We not only ensure the financial viability of each project but also the long-term social and economic impact. We consider environmental and social aspects, gender equality, climate change, and corporate governance.