The government announced on March 20 that it has taken steps to strengthen access to water for about three million Ecuadorians who are members of community water boards. The announcement was made during an event at the National University of Chimborazo, where authorities and representatives from various water and irrigation boards gathered.
This initiative is significant because many rural areas rely on these community organizations to manage their water systems, especially where the state does not operate directly. These boards play a key role in supplying water, supporting agricultural production, and contributing to the local economy.
During the event titled “Strengthening Governance and Sustainable Use of Water in Chimborazo,” three main actions were carried out: the delivery of 100 legal status resolutions to community organizations, the signing of a reform to regulatory frameworks aimed at improving access to water, and an inter-institutional agreement to enhance legal management in the region. Approximately 3 million people from rural sectors—belonging to over 7,400 community organizations—are expected to benefit from these measures through improved legal documentation, technical approvals, and updated regulations.
A central milestone was the signing of a reform to Ministerial Agreement 2018-0194, which governs requirements for authorizing water use. Inés Manzano Díaz, Minister of Environment and Energy, said: “This reform introduces a clearer, more agile approach adapted to the country’s diversity. It does not create new requirements or additional costs but organizes and clarifies existing ones by removing ambiguities and reducing processing times. Its goal is clear: facilitate access to water with fairer, more transparent rules suited to rural realities.”
In Chimborazo province specifically, these decisions have had a direct impact by providing legal status documents and other administrative tools that benefit over 7,400 users and more than 37,000 citizens. This strengthens community organization and ensures transparent management supported by the state.
A cooperation agreement was also signed between Penipe’s local government (GAD) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE) to reinforce legal support at Riobamba’s technical office through technical assistance and new professional staff.
Manzano reiterated the government’s commitment: “Access to water cannot depend on administrative obstacles or discretionary interpretations. It is a right that the State must guarantee with clear rules and without exclusions.”
These reforms are expected to make it easier for rural communities across Ecuador to obtain secure access to water resources under simpler procedures.
