President Daniel Noboa Azin reviewed the progress of key water, sanitation, and drainage projects in Chone on April 8. The visit was part of the government’s efforts to improve basic services and living conditions for residents in Manabí province.
The government says these infrastructure works are intended to prevent flooding, ensure access to essential services, and boost economic activity by generating jobs. President Noboa was accompanied by Roberto Luque, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, and Carlos Rivera, manager of the Development Bank of Ecuador.
During his visit, Noboa inspected the nearly completed master plan for potable water supply, sanitary sewerage, and storm drainage in Chone. The project is reported to be 92 percent complete. “With this work, coverage for potable water and sewerage will be very close to 100 percent. This is a result of increased public financing from public banks following President Noboa’s guidelines,” said Carlos Rivera.
The Development Bank allocated $13.9 million for this initiative—$8.1 million as non-reimbursable funds—which directly benefits over 94,000 people while indirectly supporting more than 128,000 residents. The project has also created 481 jobs during its implementation period.
Work has focused on reconstructing deteriorated networks in sectors such as Casco Central–San Felipe (sector 1) and El Paraíso–Tacheve (sector 3), strengthening stormwater systems and addressing existing infrastructure failures. Plans include nearly 36 kilometers of new potable water lines in sector one alone; almost 38 kilometers of sanitary sewers across both sectors; about nine-and-a-half kilometers dedicated to stormwater management; plus more than five hundred catch basins aimed at reducing contamination risks from wastewater.
Local business owners welcomed the president’s visit: “Thank you for giving hope back to Chone because it was a project that seemed like it would never arrive…we are here believing again,” said Emma Minaya.
Noboa also inspected Phase III construction works on Chone’s potable water system—a $24 million investment with a current completion rate at about one-third—expected ultimately to benefit around 131,000 inhabitants while creating an additional two hundred ten jobs according to Gerardo Giler from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Giler said: “Chone will have continuous water service…the project is designed with a projection lasting twenty-five years.” Officials say these actions reaffirm their commitment toward safe and sustainable infrastructure that improves quality of life.
