Monday, January 18, 2010
Mexico Invests $80 Billion Pesos in Water Infrastructure
Presidency of the Republic
Morelia, Michoacán – During the inauguration of the Mintzita Potable Water Plant, President Felipe Calderón declared
that the federal government is working to use water efficiently, adding that this administration has invested MP$80 billion
pesos [US$6.306 billion] in water infrastructure projects.
“During the first three years of this government we have invested MP$80 billion, more than in several decades
of water infrastructure projects. This is equivalent, for example, to the total investment of the previous administration
and more," he added.
On his second day of activities in Morelia, Michoacán, he remarked that we are experiencing a serious water problem,
but it is our shared responsibility to prevent this from posing a risk to the population and cities.
“That is why we are working in the federal government to put a stop to the degradation of our rivers, lakes and
aquifers, and to use water more responsibly and efficiently," he said.
Accompanied by state governor Leonel Godoy Rangel, Environmental Secretary Rafael Elvira Quesada, and CONAGUA director
José Luis Luege Tamargo, the President declared that this potability plant is crucial to the quality of life of Michoacán
residents, since it ensures 100% clean potable water for Morelia.
President Calderón also highlighted the joint work carried out by the three orders of government in this construction,
since the federal government contributed 40% of the investment, with the state and municipal governments contributing 30%
respectively.
"Citizens of Morelia and Michoacán, governor, mayor, it is wonderful that we are working together, and with the resources
of all citizens we are constructing better conditions for people and improving their quality of life,” he said.
Repeating his commitment to the well-being and progress of Michoacán, the president said that the goal is now to end
his administration with 100% potable water and 100% treated water for the population of Morelia.
He also said that having quality water means an enormous benefit for health, because there are fewer illnesses and
greater possibilities of hygiene.
President Calderón added that water is a resource we must take care of and use intelligently, since the fact that there
is less water available means that we are obliged to take care of it.
“Over the past 50 years, the annual availability of water in Mexico has declined from 18,000 cubic meters of
water per inhabitant to just over 4,000 cubic meters; in other words, we have a quarter of the water that was available 50
years ago,” he said.
In this respect, he said that as regards to potable water, at the start of his government coverage was 89%, which has
now risen to 91%, the goal being to reach 92% in 2010.
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Press Release:
Presidency of the Republic, January 14, 2010, Mexico City; translation Presidency of the Republic
