San Juan is channeling mining-related revenues into water infrastructure as part of its development strategy. During the opening of the legislative session, Governor Marcelo Orrego confirmed an investment package exceeding ARS 25 billion for water-related projects across the province.
By Panorama Minero
The announcement was made during the 2026 legislative opening speech, which combined a review of recent management and forward-looking priorities. The governor referred to the need to address immediate challenges while maintaining investment in strategic infrastructure, particularly in a context of reduced federal transfers.
In this framework, provincial authorities emphasized the use of locally generated resources to sustain public works, including those financed through mining-related funds.
Water infrastructure as a productive driver
The plan focuses on a set of projects aimed at optimizing water use, improving irrigation systems and ensuring supply in productive areas and vulnerable communities.
Key initiatives include interventions in the Chita, Romo and Agua Negra canals, which play a central role in water distribution for agricultural areas. These works are expected to improve irrigation efficiency and expand cultivated land in key productive zones. A wastewater treatment system is also planned in Niquivil.
An additional ARS 2 billion investment is allocated to the Canal del Norte in Jáchal, a project with direct impact on agricultural production in northern San Juan, benefiting more than 1,800 agricultural producers and over 26,000 hectares.
The government will also invest ARS 1.5 billion in expanding the drinking water network in San Roque (Jáchal), addressing long-standing infrastructure needs in the area.
In terms of protection infrastructure, the plan includes ARS 6.7 billion for flood defenses along the Shuclián River and bridges over the Tafí and La Quebrada rivers, aimed at mitigating flood risks and improving connectivity in vulnerable areas.
Mining revenues as a source of infrastructure
The projects are financed through a mining trust fund, which collects contributions from mining companies and reallocates them to infrastructure works.
For the provincial government, this mechanism enables the transformation of mining activity into tangible development, particularly in sectors linked to production and regional economies.
Recent progress in water infrastructure
Before presenting the new investment plan, the governor reviewed projects completed over the past two years, including the rehabilitation of the San Emiliano water distribution structure, a key component of the Tulum Valley irrigation system.
Additional works include canal lining projects in Sarmiento, Jáchal and Calingasta, which reduced water losses and improved system efficiency. In Valle Fértil, the construction of an aqueduct and water wells expanded the region’s productive capacity.
Impact on production and communities
The expected impact of the plan is twofold. On one hand, it strengthens agricultural production through more efficient water use in a context of water scarcity. On the other, it improves access to water services in communities with historical supply constraints.
Projects such as the San Roque drinking water network and flood defenses in Jáchal are expected to enhance living conditions and reduce exposure to climate-related risks.
Investment strategy in a constrained fiscal context
The initiative is part of a broader economic strategy in which San Juan seeks to sustain investment levels despite national fiscal constraints. With mining, energy and exports as key pillars, the province is prioritizing infrastructure projects that support productivity and competitiveness.
Breakdown of water infrastructure investments
- Irrigation works in Chita, Romo and Agua Negra canals: **ARS 15 billion
- **Canal del Norte project (Jáchal): **ARS 2 billion
- **Expansion of drinking water network in San Roque (Jáchal): **ARS 1.5 billion
- **Flood defenses and bridges (Shuclián, Tafí, La Quebrada): **ARS 6.5 billion
- **Aqueduct and water wells in Valle Fértil
- Canal lining in Sarmiento, Jáchal and Calingasta
- Additional irrigation, sanitation and water infrastructure projects completing the total investment exceeding ARS 25 billion
