This project is part of the agreement signed with the AYA to expand the drinking water systems in Liberia and Nicoya.

The construction of the sewage and wastewater treatment system in Puerto Viejo in the Province of Limón has three main components:

• The wastewater collection network (sewerage) includes a sewage pumping station to transport the water to the treatment plant.

• A wastewater treatment plant that includes tertiary disinfection treatment.

• Discharge pipeline for the treated water to the sea.

Role of UNOPS 

Implementing agency in charge of contracting, auditing, and approving complementary preliminary studies, the environmental impact study, and the construction designs for the Puerto Viejo sewerage system. It is responsible for contracting the construction of the treatment system. It will carry out the social management of the project and the strengthening of the capacities of the AyA-CABEI Executing Unit, including issues related to climate-proofing of hydraulic infrastructure, environmental management of works, and social communication.

Project Benefits

The project will benefit approximately 3,000 people. The wastewater treatment system will allow for tertiary treatment (chlorination) of the black water that will be discharged into the sea without affecting marine and human life. The benefits will be in several aspects:

• Fecal matter will be treated and disposed of safely, ending exposure to health risks for residents, as well as eliminating bad odors.

• It will prevent the increasing pollution of groundwater, currently affected by problems in the operation of the water treatment system.

• A provision will be made for an outlet of the treated water to connect a pipe in the future that allows the reuse of treated water in irrigation projects, use in sanitary services, etc.