Small farmers participating in Prodesal Doñihue (Local Development Program) valued the contribution that, one year after its delivery, 63 water tanks have meant for residents of Doñihue. With a capacity of 5,500 liters, the containers have guaranteed the supply of water for agricultural work in the sector, even in times of water shortage.

Marcelo Barriga, coordinator of the Prodesal Program in Doñihue, explained that “this support was fundamental because the Rinconada and California sectors do not have water rights. The only option was to accumulate water. This collaboration solved a deficit that small producers had and we hope to continue working with Codelco.”

The action arose from the needs of farmers, who were affected by the drought in 2022, which limited their ability to cultivate. 

Iván Escobar, a fruit orchard manager and resident of Doñihue, said that “in recent years, we have had problems with drought. At home, we had almond trees. This summer, the ponds have served to keep us always supplied with water. It lasts us 15 days and then it is refilled. In total, I have almost 12,000 liters of water per month.”

According to its users, the ponds have managed to ensure the accumulation of more than 130 thousand liters of water per year. “Before there was no water here, we didn't have any, the well dried up and this helps us, all the water that comes out, I use it for the trees,” added Dominga Carmen Iraira, a resident of the California sector.

Support in the supply of water resources

The activity is carried out within the framework of the corporate policy of sustainable development and Codelco's commitment to reduce the water footprint by 60% by 2030. To contribute in this regard, it is expected to advance in new deliveries of water storage tanks in communities close to the El Teniente operations.

To address the water shortage, El Teniente has promoted various initiatives with monitoring committees, canal associations, rural health services and regional organizations to promote the availability of the resource.

Cristián Sanhueza, Director of Community Development, explained that “we understand that caring for the environment and the well-being of our communities go hand in hand. By promoting projects that encourage the capture and storage of water, as well as efficient use, we mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and guarantee an adequate supply for future generations.”