
A US$150 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will finance the Flood Control Support Project in the Área Metropolitana de San Salvador (AMSS), an initiative aimed at reducing vulnerability to heavy rains and improving the urban drainage system in the capital.
The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador ratified the financing with 57 votes, endorsing the agreement signed on march 20 between the government and the international organization. The funds will be administered by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y de Transporte de El Salvador (MOPT).
The project seeks to mitigate the impact of flooding, especially during the rainy season, through infrastructure improvements, institutional strengthening, and the use of technology to enhance emergency prevention and response.

Among the main interventions are the construction of retention ponds in the Buenos Aires ravine in Santa Tecla and in the Merliot ravine in La Libertad. These works will regulate water flow and reduce the risk of flooding.
Drainage rehabilitation work will also be carried out in critical areas such as the Colonia Médica neighborhood in San Salvador and the Colonia Santa Lucía neighborhood in Ilopango, including improvements to culverts and drainage structures to optimize stormwater runoff.
The project also incorporates an institutional strengthening component, which includes updating the AMSS Drainage Master Plan, conducting pre-investment studies, and providing technical training in risk management. In addition, awareness campaigns on proper waste management will be promoted, a key factor in preventing blockages in drainage systems.

Another important aspect will be the implementation of an early warning system, which will include sensors to measure and transmit real-time data on hydrometeorological conditions. This technology will improve response capacity in the event of emergencies.
Finally, the program includes management, evaluation, and auditing mechanisms to ensure the proper use of resources.
With this funding, authorities aim to strengthen the resilience of the San Salvador Metropolitan Area to climate events, reduce risks to the population, and advance the modernization of urban infrastructure.
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