These initiatives were part of the project portfolio of the Authority for Reconstruction with Changes (ARCC) -which stopped operating at the end of 2023-, and at the beginning of 2024 they were added to the list of projects in charge of the National Infrastructure Authority (ANIN)an entity that replaced and inherited the powers of the ARCC.
Between mid-2022 and 2023, contracts for the design of the projects were signed under the government-to-government modality, with the United Kingdom. Although this phase, in some cases, has been completed or exceeds 90%, the current budgetary restrictions faced by the ANIN delivery times could be called into question.
In addition to the initiatives in these six cities, the design and implementation of the storm drainage system in Piura (which is still under study) would cost an additional S/4.8 billion, while the works for flood control in the region will require another S/4.3 billion, according to the entity.
Insufficient funds
Are the resources guaranteed for the completion of storm drains? In interview with ECDataMiguel Yamasaki, advisor to the ANIN leadership in disaster risk management, pointed out that this year they have requested additional resources from the MEF. It details that, in total, the entity has only received S/2,985 million of the programmed S/7,950 million. Of this amount, S/800 million have been used to pay debts acquired in 2025 with contractors.
“The additional demand, which has been made this year for storm drains, is S/326 million. In addition, for comprehensive solutions, such as river defenses, water systems and green infrastructure, it is another S/2,937 million. (The first amount) has been divided among the six projects so that, in 2027, all have the studies ready and the works can begin to be executed. At least in Sullana and Talara, physical work has already begun.”he explained.
The official also announced that they will explore alternative sources of financing, such as World Bank or the Inter-American Development Bankfor the continuity of the projects. However, he warned that if funding restrictions towards the ANIN persist, the delivery time of the drains would be postponed up to five years.
“According to the initial programming made by the ARCC, the contracts (for storm drains) that were signed between 2021 and 2022 should be completing in 2031. But, with these budget cuts, we would be completing these projects in 2036, that is, in five years longer than expected.”he remarked.
Priorities
For Karla Gaviño, public management specialist, the ANIN must improve its prioritization and planning processes, focusing on the projects aimed at the reconstruction of the north that it inherited from the ARCC. He added that any additional delivery of resources should be accompanied by a schedule of goals to be met, and have the technical assistance of the MEF and the Presidency of the Council of Ministerssector of the Executive to which it is attached.
“It is not justifiable to wait approximately ten years to have projects that are sensitive ready. When the Yaku cyclone arrived in 2023, the political solution at that time was to set aside the ARCC to create the ANIN. The projects that it inherited (from the ARCC) should be its priority and strategic portfolio. The problem is not financing, as the institution points out, but rather internal management. Necessarily, a structural review of the ANIN management model must be carried out, and it will be a very difficult task. important for the next government”he opined.
