Rehabilitation of El Carrizal Aqueduct Completed in La Paz

Completion of Rehabilitation Works

On September 9, the Municipal Organism for Potable Water, Sewage, and Sanitation of La Paz (OOMSAPAS) announced the completion of rehabilitation and protection works on the El Carrizal aqueduct. This infrastructure had suffered significant damage due to landslides and runoff from recent rains. Abimael Ibarra Abúndez, the general director of OOMSAPAS, confirmed the successful restoration of the aqueduct, which is crucial for the water supply in the region.

"The water currents caused the displacement and decoupling of a section of the 18-inch PVC pipe, leaving various parts of the line exposed,"

Ibarra Abúndez explained.

The rehabilitation process involved extensive excavation, cleaning, alignment, repair, and coupling of the affected sections of the pipeline. This meticulous work was necessary to ensure the integrity of the water supply system in La Paz, which has faced challenges due to environmental factors.

Enhancing Infrastructure Stability

Following the repairs, the team undertook the critical tasks of backfilling and compacting the surrounding soil. These actions were essential to provide greater stability and protection for the pipeline against future weather events. Furthermore, two diversions were constructed to channel surface runoff, significantly reducing the risk of further damage during subsequent rains.

"We have enabled two diversions to manage surface runoff and mitigate the risk of new damages during future rains,"

stated Ibarra Abúndez.

This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate issues but also fortifies the infrastructure against potential future challenges, ensuring a more reliable water supply for residents.

Gradual Restoration of Water Service

With the completion of the rehabilitation works, OOMSAPAS has initiated the process of filling the pipeline and restoring water flow. However, due to the extensive length of the conduction line and the necessary balancing of the network, the resumption of services will occur gradually. This phased approach is designed to ensure that the system is fully operational without compromising water quality or supply reliability.

"Once the works were completed, we began the process of filling the pipeline and recovering the flow. The restoration of service will be gradual due to the length of the conduction line and the balance that needs to be achieved in the network,"

Ibarra Abúndez noted.

The organization is particularly focused on normalizing water distribution and recovering service schedules, especially in the southern neighborhoods of La Paz that were most affected by the disruptions. Ibarra Abúndez expressed gratitude to the community for their understanding during this critical period of maintenance and repair.

"We appreciate the understanding of the citizens during the development of these works,"

he concluded.

The completion of the El Carrizal aqueduct rehabilitation marks a significant milestone for La Paz, promising a more stable and reliable water supply for its residents in the face of environmental challenges.