Guatemala Water Treatment Infrastructure
In Guatemala, water supply is challenged by high demand, reduced flows, lack of urban regulatory plans or watershed management and hydraulic infrastructure. Pollution in the country’s water basins is as high as 90%, due to the discharge of wastewater for domestic, industrial, and agro-industrial use without prior treatment, which hinders the subsequent use of this resource. Only 5% of the discharged waters are treated, and due to the dilution effect, all the waters that receive untreated discharges are contaminated. The volume of contaminated water that is discharged to the basins comes 40% from households, 40% from agricultural activities, 13% from industrial activities and 7% from agribusiness.
There are many challenges that the country must face to avoid the depletion of water sources so that the entire population has access to a continuous supply of quality water and adequate services for the disposal of sewage and solid waste. These areas for improvement also represent potential for U.S. companies seeking investment and commercial opportunities.
Municipalities are the main developers of water and sanitation projects, with 68% of total investments in the sector, followed by state institutions such as INFOM (Municipal Development Institute) and some authorities for watershed management, as well as some associations and private foundations.
Public sector opportunities are published as tenders on the government procurement website, http://www.guatecompras.gt/.
It is advisable that any U.S. company interested in engaging in a commercial relationship with an official or governmental entity to be associated with a local market participant. Foreign companies can participate in any government procurement modality without a local business associate but must show that the company has provisionally registered with the Mercantile Registry. If the foreign company is awarded a public contract, it must demonstrate that it is properly registered to operate in the country through an authorized entity or subsidiary.
For additional information, visit:
• http://www.infom.gob.gt/nuestros-servicios/plantas-de-tratamiento/
• ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones
For additional details on potential opportunities, please contact Libby Mota at libby.mota@trade.gov.