Together with the OSE board of directors, the Ministers of the Environment and Public Health give explanations to the senators about the measures taken in light of the severe water deficit affecting the country.
From 11, the Chamber of Senators question the ministers of Atmosphere and of Public Health, Robert Bouvier and Karina Rando, respectively, due to the water crisis that Uruguay. The directory of the National Administration of State Sanitary Works (OSE).
The authorities will talk about the government’s management before the severe water deficit that affects the country, which has led the government to enable the increase in salinity in the water distributed by OSE, going from a limit of 200 mg/L to 400 mg/L of sodium, and from 250 mg/L to 700m mg/L of chloride. This was one of the most controversial measures, and a large part of the reason why ministers and directors were summoned to Parliament. The senator of Broad Front Enrique Rubio is the one who carries out the interpellation.
Beyond the exhibition no political consequences expectedwhile the official coalition has guaranteed the votes to support Bouvier and Rando, from Colorado party and of Town meeting, respectively.
Meanwhile, the dam Severine Pass — main source of water supply for the metropolitan area — has record lows of 6.5 million cubic meters, when its approximate ceiling is 65 million. The last time it was full was in November of last year. The government hopes that the forecasted rains and the emergency dam in the Santa Lucia River contribute to shore up a critical situation.
One by one, all the government measures to guarantee drinking water
Yesterday, the government announced new measures to deal with the water crisis in the country and guarantee the availability of running water in the metropolitan area:
- Construction of a dam in Paso Severino: a dam will be built next week that will seek to stabilize the water reserves in Paso Severino, in order to avoid taking new measures, such as increasing salinity in the water, which have a negative impact on its quality.
- Agreement with OSE and the Congress of Mayors to repair losses: The Congress of Mayors agreed to an agreement with OSE to promptly repair any loss of water presented by the pipe networks in the different departments of the country.
- Guaranteed basic supply: the Executive Power reaffirmed its commitment to guarantee the basic supply of running water for cooking, consumption, hygiene, and sanitation.
- Monitoring Bottled Water Prices: The presidential official said that the government will be “monitoring the prices of bottled water” so that they remain within the usual range due to the increase in demand. In turn, he added that the government is testing the importation of water “if necessary.”
- Purchase of a desalination plant designed by UTEC: In an attempt to improve water quality, the government decided to purchase a desalination plant designed by the Technological University of Uruguay (UTEC), which “will surely be operational as of next week.”
- Use of a UTE plant for water distribution: in line with the purchase of the desalination plant designed by UTEC, the Punta del Tigre plant, owned by UTE, will begin to be used, which is “reverse osmosis” and “will be available for water distribution” .
- Enabling of the OSE bagging plant: the OSE bagging plant for sachets of water was enabled, which will be supplied “from those areas or water treatment plants that were made during this period of government”, such as Balneario Argentino, Kiyú, La Floresta, or Pan de Azúcar.
- Mides vouchers for two liters of water: The Ministry of Social Development (Mides) seeks to guarantee a voucher for two liters of water for those who participate in a Mides program for chronic patients, children under two years of age, and pregnant women enrolled in the Equity Plan.
- Distribution of bottled water in the CAIF and INAU centers: The government has provided bottled water to the CAIF and INAU centers throughout the country, in turn, “ANEP is doing it with the 477 schools” in the area, Delgado commented.
Source: Ambito
