Nelson López: Las ZEE deben contar con servicios óptimos

On 25 July 2019, Petare Community, Caracas, Venezuela. Families gather with their water drums infront of a water truck in a neighbourhood in Petare, Caracas. Water, sanitation and hygiene are essential for the survival and development of children and their families. In the most vulnerable communities of Venezuela, access, quantity, continuity and water quality are the main concerns. This situation is aggravated with the power outages in recent months. One of such communities is Petare, located in the outskirts of Caracas, the capital city. Pumping system of El Carmen and Urbina, which provide running water to 65 percent of the Cacagüita sector, are currently being repaired. In the meantime, the Municipal Institute of Water of Sucre is responsible for supplying the water trucks, while UNICEF ensures water chlorination. In coordination with water authorities and partners, ensuring access to clean and safe water for children and families is a top priority for UNICEF. Together with national and local authorities, UNICEF's work will gradually allow the rehabilitation of underground and surface water sources, the repair of distribution networks and pipelines, the distribution of water at strategic points such as hospitals and the rehabilitation of pumping stations in the country. As part of an agreement with the Ministry of Water, UNICEF is working on expanding the supply of safe drinking water through systems repair and extension, water-trucking and other alternative sources, strengthening of priority sanitation systems, and providing technical assistance and cooperation in water quality monitoring, so no child is left behind.