In northeastern Argentina, indigenous communities are improving their access to drinking water through rainwater harvesting systems, addressing severe water scarcity exacerbated by droughts and heatwaves. In the remote area of Santa Victoria Este, Salta province, many residents struggle to find safe drinking water due to high salinity in groundwater and inadequate infrastructure.
Access to water is limited to natural sources like lagoons or municipal water trucks, both presenting challenges. The lagoons often contain unsafe water, and the extreme climate conditions make it difficult for water trucks to reach remote areas. During dry seasons, temperatures can exceed 50ºC, and many lagoons dry up by late August.
A significant change occurred following a 2020 ruling by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, which initiated consultations between local authorities and indigenous communities to secure potable water access. UNOPS, in collaboration with the Argentine government, is implementing a project to provide drinking water to over 350 people in 12 indigenous communities by constructing 75 rainwater harvesting systems.
Each system can store up to 16,000 liters of potable water, sufficient for a family for six months, thereby enhancing resilience against prolonged droughts. The project emphasizes community involvement, allowing residents to decide on the installation sites, ensuring a sense of ownership.
Local training and the use of interpreters have facilitated effective participation in the project, promoting sustainable practices and gender inclusion. The initiative not only addresses immediate water needs but also empowers communities to cultivate small gardens and explore new job opportunities.
The project is part of a larger seven-year initiative worth $356 million aimed at improving infrastructure and public spaces across Argentina, with a focus on sustainability and community development.