CARACAS, July 3 (Xinhua) -- The Venezuelan government and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Wednesday signed an agreement to improve access to drinking water in the South American country.
The agreement was signed by Evelyn Vasquez, minister for water care, and Herve Ludovic, UNICEF's representative in Venezuela.
The plan is focused "on the most vulnerable sectors of the country, and the goal is to improve drinking water and sanitation services," Vasquez said.
The joint action with UNICEF is designed to consolidate alternative sources to improve water supply, especially in remote areas, the minister said.
Ludovic noted the agreement will improve access to potable water for millions of people.
"UNICEF will, along with national and state authorities, contribute to strengthening the drinking water distribution network through tanker trucks and other alternative sources," he added.
U.S.-led economic sanctions against Venezuela are damaging the country's potable water system, according to Venezuelan engineer Alejandro Hitcher, who said in April that the sanctions blocked access to imported parts and equipment needed to maintain the water supply network. Enditem
