The transition from rural drinking water systems to rural sanitation services [2.3249]

Abstract

Access to water and its respective sanitation is a constant human need that not only responds to consumption purposes, but also constitutes a basis for the development of people in various aspects: health, education, socioeconomic, gender equity, among others. In this sense, rural sectors tend to be more affected in this area, as opposed to urban areas. To meet these needs, the initial institutional response was to create the “Programa de Agua Potable Rural (APR)” –Rural Drinking Water Program–, which, in principle, aimed at improving public health. As time went by, the Program expanded its purposes to include the economic and social development of the rural population.

In spite of the positive impact of the APR Program, there have been many difficulties in the fulfillment of its objectives. Under this context, Law 20.998 of 2017 was enacted, which recognizes the various challenges to be assumed, in addition to which APR committees became “Servicios Sanitarios Rurales (SSR)” –Rural Sanitary Services–. However, the application of this norm has not been peaceful for these SSR, so this essay will analyze some factors related to the adaptability of APRs to the new figure of SSR.