In 1997, the implementation of the La Masica Early Warning System (EWS) was launched with the support of the Organization of American States (OEA) and the Honduras Permanent Contingencies Commission (COPECO) through the Flood Vulnerability Reduction and Development of Small Valleys Early Warning System Project.
The Cuero River area was chosen for the implementation of the project since it is vulnerable to floods. More so, its rural population was unprotected from the impact of such natural phenomena as the focus was only based on evacuation at the when floods occurred in the basin’s lower coastal zone.
Subsequently, work was continued on the basin through the Project by Strengthening Local Structures and Early Warning Systems (FEMID) of the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) which consolidates the technical and social functions of the EWS. This also helps in developing the political, economic, technical and community sustainability of the system and further supports the development of models in other municipalities. The process was developed in three phases, and its last phase was concluded in 2003. The EWS area of influence is made up of approximately 30 small villages located in the high and low regions of the basin with an approximate population of 25,000 inhabitants that benefit directly and indirectly from the system.
The Spanish version.
The privatization of public water companies in Chile was complemented by reforms, during which a robust regulatory framework was created, public utilities were strengthened, tariffs were increased, and a system of subsidies for needy households was introduced to help them cope with higher tariffs. To guarantee adequate and affordable services for low income households, Chile introduced individual means-tested water consumption subsidies. The aim of the subsidy system was to channel the resources to those who actually needed them. A significant proportion of its inhabitants had sufficient incomes to pay for the basic services without needing any support or additional help. This made it possible for Chile to adopt a subsidy system focused on the most vulnerable social groups. This situation was addressed in the subsidy law aiming to protect low-income families. The system chosen was a direct subsidy, targeted to users. It granted access to basic consumption of drinking water and sewage service for each household.
If left unattended, the twin engines of urbanisation and resource depletion will undermine efforts to achieve and sustain water security: water availability and access will be eroded and conflicts over use will escalate.
The Spanish version.
Una visión general del estado del recurso hídrico, que aporta elementos del capital hídrico, del marco legal e institucional, así como los avances de la región hacia la GIRH.
