60 Families in Alhuelemu Receive Clean Water for the First Time Thanks to CMPC and Desafío Levantemos Chile
“Desafío Agua Para Chile” is an initiative that has been delivering this critical utility to families in Chile’s Biobío and La Araucanía regions for over four years, benefiting more than 2,500 households.
Viviana Contreras, President of the Alhuelemu Community Association, remarked, “This area has always struggled to access clean water, and neighbors would ask me every day when we’d finally get it. Seeing this come to fruition is incredibly heartwarming. We appreciate your commitment to supporting our community and standing by our families.”
“Desafío Agua Para Chile” was launched in 2020 through a partnership between CMPC and Desafío Levantemos Chile. The latest project has brought direct access to clean water to families in Alhuelemu, a community located 20 kilometers south of Mulchén in Chile’s Biobío region. For the first time, residents in this area are now receiving this essential utility, marking a significant milestone.
In the initial phase of the project, more than 60 homes, as well as the local clinic, school, preschool, community center, and a greenhouse, have been connected to this vital resource.
CMPC President Luis Felipe Gazitúa highlighted the importance of collaboration in securing fundamental rights such as access to water: “Our commitment to Chile is steadfast, which is why we have teamed up with Desafío, whose expertise in managing such initiatives is invaluable. Providing clean water to a rural community like this has a profound impact on people’s lives. In cities, water is often taken for granted—you turn on the tap, and it’s there. But in rural areas, 75% of people lack access to clean water. Initiatives like these are deeply fulfilling because their impact is immeasurable,” Gazitúa said.
In addition to installing the water system, the project involved building a 120-square-meter greenhouse with an irrigation system. This initiative also included environmental education, technical training, and governance to promote sustainable farming. The pilot program for hydroponic vegetable production aims to enhance local economic development.
Desafío Agua Para Chile has delivered clean water to numerous communities throughout the La Araucanía and Biobío regions. So far, 60 projects have been completed, benefiting over 2,500 families.
“For many, this will be a game-changer. Some neighbors don’t have wells and depend on water trucks that come only three days a week, delivering water unevenly to households,” said Viviana Contreras, who has lived in the area for over 30 years.
“It’s been more than four years since we launched Desafío Agua Para Chile with CMPC, and it’s incredibly moving to see the joy on people’s faces when they turn on the tap. We’ve witnessed firsthand how access to clean water transforms lives. We’re dedicated to advancing these initiatives and continuing to develop the infrastructure and resources we’ve built through this successful partnership,” explained Ignacio Serrano, Executive Director of Desafío Levantemos Chile.
Desafío Agua Para Chile and CMPC plan to continue their collaboration on this initiative throughout Chile, reaching those who need it most. Desafío Levantemos Chile has been involved in over 26 national emergencies, consistently seeking innovative, rapid, and effective solutions to support the country. Over its 14 years, the organization has assisted more than a million Chileans.
