La Guajira Mission has helped 4,000 people with water, energy and food security

La Guajira Mission celebrated a new stage of its project, delivering vital solutions in drinking water, sustainable energy and food security for more than 4,000 people in 13 Wayuu communities in Manaure and Uribia.

This effort, the result of the public-private alliance between the Presidency of the Republic, Grupo Aval and Promigas, with the support of Prisa Mediacontinues to make a difference in the lives of those who, for the first time, have such basic and essential resources.

(Read: ‘Mission La Guajira’ brings water and food solutions to 9 communities in Manaure).

Since its inception in December 2023, Misión La Guajira has been committed to a participatory approach, respecting the worldview and ancestral knowledge of the communities. The key has been consensus-building: listening to and understanding the communities, thus ensuring that the solutions truly respond to their needs.

A key aspect of the project has been the role of women, and especially young women who have emerged as natural leaders. Through this process, many have discovered unique skills. unique experiences that have made them guides for their communities. Thus, Mission La Guajira leaves an additional legacy: empowerment and the creation of new opportunities.

In communities that were once divided, access to clean water has transformed social dynamics. Today, water is not only a vital resource, but a symbol of unity. Families who once struggled to access this resource now share it and see in it a new opportunity for life.

(You can read: The solution to the lack of supply? They ask to increase the flow of the Bogotá River).

This transformation is not only material, but also spiritual, proving that water can unite what was once divided. Access to water has consisted of flushing or recovering 46 existing wells, drilling two new wells and Installation of three water treatment plants with the capacity to desalinate between 15,000 and 20,000 liters per daybased on pumps powered by photovoltaic solar systems.

Read: ‘La Guajira could be the green hydrogen capital of South America’: President Petro

Access to electricity has radically changed the daily lives of these communities. Electricity allows food to be refrigerated and gardens to remain productive; it also extends the day for community and family activities. In addition, electricity has brought with it access to the Internet, opening a window to the world for the youngest children. For the first time, these children can dream of a future different from that of their parents and grandparents.

Energy solutions with solar panels have just been delivered to 5 communities in community infrastructure such as shelters or schools, which also enabled the installation of internet.

“Today we deliver works that reflect Promigas’ commitment to offer ways for more homes to transform energy into well-being“, he said. Juan Manuel Rojas, president of Promigas.

Mission La Guajira would not be possible without the collaborative work of multiple allies. In addition to the constant support of Prisa Media and W Radio in making visible the challenges and difficulties of these communities, as well as the solutions that have been delivered, other entities such as Claro Colombia and World Bicycle Relief They have joined in by providing connectivity and innovative solutions such as bicycles adapted to carry water and resistant to weather conditions and desert soils. These efforts demonstrate that when we all contribute a little, the results can be enormous and sustainable over time.

(Further: Climate Investment, a program through which USAID promotes investment in sustainable development).

“Mission La Guajira not only brings water and electricity to these communities, it also sows hope and the possibility of building a different reality,” said Luis Carlos Sarmiento Gutiérrez, President of the Board of Directors of Grupo Aval. “We are proud to lead a project that reflects our commitment to working together with La Guajira, with the national government and with the entire country.”

Regarding the food security component, the National Government has delivered community gardens, irrigation systems and the first harvest in 9 priority communities in Manaure.

Read: With a bill, the Government seeks to reactivate the Salinas Marítimas company in La Guajira

“Mission La Guajira is an example of the National Agreement in action, where the National Government and the private sector work together to find sustainable solutions for the Wayuu people.”, he commented Laura Sarabia, Director of the Administrative Department of the Presidency of the Republic.