Right here stands Aysa a vital part of Buenos Aires. It quenches the city’s thirst. Aysa is more than pipes and pumps. It’s a story of a city’s evolution. It is about Argentina’s pursuit of progress.
Let’s dive into the captivating story of Aysa. It begins in the early 19th century. The government sought an international loan. It wanted to construct a potable water system. Bernardino Rivadavia was in charge then. Baring Brothers was the lender. Sadly, those initial plans never materialized.
Fast forward to July 18 1912. Law 8889 established “Obras Sanitarias de la Nación” or OSN. This translates to National Sanitation Works. It was part of the First Sanitation Plan of 1909. President Roque Sáenz Peña spearheaded this effort. OSN expanded its reach beyond Buenos Aires Province. By 1910, 14 capital cities boasted running water. Four also had sewer systems.
However, the winds of change blew in the 1990s. President Carlos Menem initiated a wave of privatization. OSN became Aguas Argentinas. This corporation was a mix of French and Spanish companies. Suez Environnement Aguas de Barcelona and Banco Galicia formed a group. The concession was set for 20 years. Later, it was extended by Fernando de la Rúa.
But the path wasn’t smooth. Aguas Argentinas inherited no OSN debts. Rates surged. Service quality waned. Investments dried up. Maintenance suffered. The 2001 economic crisis worsened matters. The company defaulted on payments.
In March 2006, President Néstor Kirchner revoked the contract. He cited fraudulent invoices and non existent works. The state reclaimed 90% of the company. Employees held the remaining 10%. The company was reborn as Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos or Aysa.
Under state control, Aysa expanded its reach. Sewerage systems served over seven million people by 2015. In 2019, Malena Galmarini became the first woman president of Aysa.
A study revealed a concerning fact. Aguas Argentinas only treated 12% of the water. The rest flowed untreated into the river.
Today, Aysa stands as a testament to Argentina’s commitment. It strives to provide clean water and sanitation. It serves Buenos Aires and 25 districts. It employs 8000 people. Aysa continues to evolve meeting the needs of a growing metropolis. Aysa ensures a healthier future for generations to come. A drink of water here carries a history of Argentina.