Türkiyes TIKA brings clean water to Colombia’s desert region
The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) has set up a drinking water treatment system for an indigenous community in the La Guajira desert region of Colombia. The project, which will benefit 60 families, was officially inaugurated on Friday, according to a statement from TIKA.
The opening ceremony was attended by the Turkish Ambassador to Bogotá, the Director General of the Colombian Presidential Agency for International Cooperation (APC Colombia), the Mayor of Barrancas, TIKA representatives and local residents.
In her speech, APC Director General Eleonora Betancur highlighted TIKA’s efforts to support vulnerable groups in Colombia. “With this project, TIKA once again demonstrates its commitment to the priorities of our country and the needs of indigenous communities. Such collaborations bring our nations closer together and strengthen our bonds,” she said.
The mayor of Barrancas and the rector of the University of La Guajira also expressed their gratitude to Turkey and pointed out the serious infrastructure deficiencies in the region that make access to clean water difficult.
The ceremony, which began with performances by local children, was followed by visits to the water treatment plant and the Wotkasainru Ethno-Educational Centre. The system, which can treat 500 litres of water per hour, is designed to provide clean water to the entire community, especially the 53 students at the education centre, and thus help prevent water-borne diseases.
Water crisis
The La Guajira region, near the Venezuelan border, suffers from a desert climate and limited resources, making access to clean water a significant challenge. Indigenous communities often have to travel long distances to reach water sources and are at risk of infectious diseases and food shortages.
This project serves as a model for international efforts in the region. Access to clean water is a key issue under the UN’s sixth Sustainable Development Goal, and initiatives like this are crucial to improving the living standards of local populations living in harsh desert conditions.
