Peru announces restructuring of Sedapal following sanitation failures

The Peruvian government has announced a restructuring of the state water utility, Sedapal, following significant sanitation failures affecting residents in Lima South. President Keiko Fujimori stated that the issues stem from deficiencies in infrastructure, equipment, and organizational structure that have persisted for years.

Engineers estimate that repairs to the sewage main could take approximately two months. Following the emergency, Indeci will evaluate the structural integrity of affected homes. The President also called on the private sector to assist victims who lost property or economic tools.

Former Minister of Housing, Hania Pérez de Cuéllar, supported the restructuring, emphasizing that reforms must address internal processes and project management rather than just personnel changes. She noted that a previous restructuring plan based on international standards was developed during her tenure but was never implemented. Pérez de Cuéllar suggested that while full privatization was not part of previous plans, the government could consider a management contract where a private firm operates the infrastructure while the state retains ownership of assets.