Cabei clears US$50mn for water management

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (Cabei) has approved a US$50.1mn loan to launch Costa Rica's integrated water management program, Cabei said. The program calls for irrigation, drainage and flood control projects on a national level. Works will be carried out by the national service for underground water, irrigation and drainage (Senara), part of the agriculture ministry MAG. A total of four areas will be covered: underground water management, irrigation for agricultural production, improving drainage for agricultural areas and institutionally strengthening Senara. Issues to be addressed include management of six aquifers to guarantee water sustainability, increasing irrigation for agricultural production on an additional 2,350ha and building and improving drainage systems that cover some 10,000ha in the Atlántica, Huetar Norte and Matina-Río Reventazón regions. Cabei financing covers 70% of the US$71.7mn project.