Venezuela opens China-backed desal plant

Venezuela's ecosocialism and water minister, Ramón Velásquez, opened the Punta Gorda desalination plant in Vargas state, which was built with the cooperation of China and is part of a plan to install 116 such facilities.

The 177mn yuan (US$28mn) plant will benefit nine municipalities of Vargas, as well as Simón Bolívar international airport that serves the city of Maiquetí, the presidency's office said in a release.

Velázquez said the project represents "a blow to the criminal blockade of the country."

Meanwhile, Vargas governor Jorge García said the new 30l/s plant will reduce water shortages by 50%.

The plant is the second largest of its kind in Venezuela, behind the one opened last month in Nueva Esparta state, which produces 110l/s.

The government expects to complete its desalination plan by 2025, benefitting 600,000 residents of Sucre, Miranda, Vargas, Falcón and Anzoátegui states, and Venezuela's Caribbean islands.