In Lima, over 635,000 individuals lack running water, relying on infrequent deliveries from tanker trucks. This water often lacks sanitation, contributing to health issues. Climate change and inadequate urban planning exacerbate the situation, creating stark contrasts between wealthy neighborhoods and poorer areas struggling to access essential resources. Community initiatives aim to provide relief as water scarcity remains a critical issue.
In Lima, Peru, over 635,000 residents live without access to running water, particularly in informal settlements high in the hills. Although Lima is located near the Pacific Ocean and the Andes and has multiple rivers, the area experiences low rainfall, which complicates water accessibility. Many rely on tanker trucks to supply water once a week, yet these deliveries are often insufficient and come with hygiene concerns.
Residents in areas like San Juan de Miraflores receive water from blue tanker trucks, which deliver water in large, unsanitary drums. For some locals, this water is a source of health issues, leading to stomach cramps and other ailments. During the winter months, heavy rains can make delivery impossible due to muddy roads, forcing families to conserve water by limiting laundry and bathing.
Per the National Institute of Statistics, families receive about 30 liters of water daily, well below the United Nations’ recommended minimum of 50-100 liters. Experts, such as Jeremy Robert, express concern that future water supply challenges may emerge due to climate change, further straining the outskirts of Lima.
Antonio Ioris, a geography professor, highlights that dwindling water reserves are only part of the issue; poor people’s water access often falls low on the priority list for policymakers. Factors such as inadequate urban planning and rural migration contribute significantly to the housing crisis and lack of water accessibility.
In San Juan de Miraflores, infrastructure also hinders access to water delivery. Some areas are unreachable by trucks, forcing residents to pay exorbitantly for water – up to six times more than households connected to the utility grid. A stark contrast exists between these impoverished neighborhoods and wealthier areas like Santiago de Surco, which enjoys substantial water resources. A concrete barrier, deemed the “wall of shame” by locals, starkly separates the affluent from the underprivileged, symbolizing deep socioeconomic divides.
Despite the disparity, community efforts, like soup kitchens run by residents like Cristel Mejia, strive to aid those living in poverty. Such initiatives shine a light on the pressing need for improved access to essential resources.
Lima faces significant challenges regarding water accessibility, particularly for its poorest residents. Despite being a major city with abundant natural water sources, hundreds of thousands live without running water, relying on inadequate and unsanitary alternatives. The situation highlights systemic issues in urban planning and water policy, exacerbated by climate change and socioeconomic inequalities. Efforts to address these challenges must prioritize sustainable solutions for all areas of the city.
Original Source: www.france24.com
