Panama approves national water security plan

Panama's cabinet approved the adoption of a national water security plan for the period 2015-50, and the creation of a national water council known as Conagua and a technical secretariat on water security to plan policies to improve water supply and quality.

Environment minister Mirei Endara said she believes the plan represents a key stepping stone towards guaranteeing fair access to water for all residents and the productive sectors, insuring the protection of water resources and the ecosystem in a changing climate, according to a government release.

The plan was validated through 12 public consultations at the national level with the support of the UN Development Programme, with 1,500 people participating including farmers, business leaders, academics, environmental groups, NGOs, indigenous representatives and individuals.

The plan, known as Agua para Todos or Water for Everyone, prioritizes a series of measures until 2020 with total investment of US$5.5bn under the basic sanitation 100/0 program for 100% potable water coverage and zero open-pit latrines.

President Juan Carlos Varela (side photo) recently announced the start of construction works under the 100/0 program.

WATER SECURITY PLAN

The plan is centered on five goals: universal access to quality water and basic sanitation; abiding by the UN's Sustainable Development Goals; water for inclusive economic development; the management of risks related to water and growth; and to prevent and prepare for climate change and its effects on the availability and quality of water.

Another goal is to maintain 52 healthy water basins throughout the country.