The Water Crisis in Lima: A Struggle for Access in the City of Desolation

Numerous residents in Lima’s impoverished neighborhoods still lack access to running water, relying on infrequent deliveries from tanker trucks. This situation highlights the disparity between the wealthy and poor parts of the city, as individuals face significant health risks due to unhygienic water sources. Climate change and inadequate urban policies further contribute to the persistent water crisis that endangers the health and livelihoods of thousands.

In the dry hills surrounding Lima, Peru, the luxury of running water remains an unattainable goal for many residents, particularly those in impoverished areas. With over 10 million inhabitants, Lima is recognized as the world’s second-largest desert city following Cairo. Although the city is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, its inhabitants face a severe water scarcity due to limited rainfall. The National Institute of Statistics and Computer Science reports that more than 635,000 people in Lima lack access to running water, especially those residing in informal settlements on the city’s outskirts where municipal water services do not reach.

Residents of these communities, such as those in San Juan de Miraflores, depend on blue tanker trucks that deliver water, albeit irregularly—often only once per week or even less frequently. Unfortunately, these deliveries leave water in large containers that raise health concerns. Catalina Naupa, a 59-year-old resident, voiced her frustrations, noting, “We get stomach cramps and migraines. There are worms in the bottom of the tank.” She explained that the harsh winter conditions make it even more difficult for trucks to navigate the muddy roads, prompting her to wash her clothes infrequently to preserve the scarce water.

Nicolas Reyes from Sedapal, Lima’s water utility, stated that families receive approximately 260 gallons of water weekly, which equals about 30 liters per person per day; this amount falls significantly short of the 50-100 liters considered essential by the United Nations. Moreover, Jeremy Robert from the Institute for Development Research has raised concerns over potential water rationing due to fluctuating reservoir levels as the rainy season approaches.

Climate change compounds this predicament, according to Antonio Ioris, a geography professor at Cardiff University. He stressed that diminishing water resources are only part of the issue, as the lack of effective urban planning and rural challenges drive residents toward the city, where their needs remain low on policymakers’ agendas.

Inaccessibility poses a significant challenge, with some water delivery routes hindered by difficult terrain. Consequently, residents often pay exorbitant rates for water—up to six times higher than those connected to the municipal grid. A notable barrier known as the “wall of shame” exemplifies the disparity in living conditions within Lima, separating wealthy neighborhoods like Santiago de Surco from underprivileged ones. Here, residents enjoy abundant green spaces and water, provoking sentiments from individuals like Cristel Mejia, who operates a local soup kitchen: “Surco seems like another world.”

In conclusion, the access to running water remains a pressing issue for residents in poor areas of Lima, where government policies and infrastructure planning have failed to address the needs of low-income communities. Despite the city’s geographical advantages, the dire conditions faced by these individuals illustrate a significant disparity in living standards and access to basic resources. The challenges posed by climate change and inadequate urban planning further exacerbate the situation, emphasizing the need for more equitable solutions to water distribution in Lima.

Original Source: www.france24.com