A diverse country, Bolivia is home to almost 9 million people, who live in three distinct regions: the high Altiplano, the fertile valleys, and the tropical lowlands. Within Latin America, Bolivia has the largest proportion of indigenous people, comprising about two-thirds of the total population. The national economy is based on the export of minerals, oil, natural gas, tin, wood, and Brazil nuts. Bolivia has long been one of the poorest and least developed countries in Latin America, with an average annual income in rural areas of just US$150.

Water & Sanitation
According to Bolivian government-supplied statistics, the percentage of people with access to safe water in Bolivia is quite high. In rural areas however, the numbers are much lower, with only 68% having access to a safe and reliable water supply and 22% with access to sanitation. Sanitation is a difficult challenge in Bolivia and a growing area of focus for humanitarian development.

Water For People in Bolivia
Water For People has been working in Bolivia’s rural communities since 1992—almost since its inception—and has maintained an office in the country since 1997. Water For People’s programs in Bolivia are conducted under the leadership of country coordinator Abraham Aruquipa and a team of five Bolivian professionals. Water For People–Bolivia has supported a total of 176 projects from 1997 through 2006, benefiting more than 42,000 people.

Water development technologies used in Bolivia include gravity-fed water systems, protected springs, storage tanks, pumped water systems, and locally manufactured household hand pumps. Sanitation projects typically involve the construction of dry-composting latrines, pour-flush and/or conventional flush toilets, and household bathrooms, including some with showers.

Almost all of Water For People–Bolivia’s projects leverage some partner funding, typically including 30% from the local government or municipality and 5% to 10% from the benefiting communities. All projects include labor and cash contributions from the community.

Almost all of Water For People–Bolivia’s projects have been constructed in 10 municipalities spread across different geographic regions. Over the next five years, however, Water For People–Bolivia will work more regionally, focusing on municipalities in three departments. Consistent with Water For People’s model, almost all projects have involved working with three primary partners: a government entity, a local nongovernmental organization, and the benefiting community.

Working closely with its in-country staff, Water For People has developed an aggressive strategic plan to make a more meaningful impact in meeting the water and sanitation needs in Bolivia between 2007-2011.