Ecuador  - IOM Ecuador has carried out 451 infrastructure projects over the past decade in isolated communities along Ecuador’s northern and southern borders which have benefited over 681,000 people.

“The projects, which have deployed over USD 100 million in the past decade, have benefitted some 60 per cent of local residents living in these border communities, as well as migrants from Colombia and Peru living in these areas,” said Rogelio Bernal, IOM Chief of Mission in Ecuador.

The interventions, which will end in September, include 201 water and 97 sanitation systems; 8 solid waste disposal systems; 86 vehicular and pedestrian bridges; 35 roads; and 23 irrigation systems. IOM has also provided training to strengthen the capacity of local officials and community leaders. 

The projects were funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and carried out in coordination with the Government of Ecuador.

The schemes provided employment to some 800 people.  “Although the programme will end soon, we are confident that with the trainings and long-term sustainability components that were incorporated into each project, the communities will continue to reap benefits for years to come,” added Bernal.

The projects have been carried out in the provinces of Esmeraldas, Carchi, Sucumbíos, Napo, Orellana, Imbabura, El Oro and Loja.

One notable project, the Hand Washing and Sanitary Education Program, carried out by IOM in close coordination with the Ministry of Public Health in rural schools in the northern and southern border areas, as well as in the central highlands region, has reduced the incidence of diarrhea and parasite-related diseases by 17 per cent among children under five.

The vast majority of migrant populations along the northern border are Colombians fleeing the ongoing conflict in their country and seeking international protection in Ecuador.  According to government estimates, some 55,000 Colombians have been granted refugee status by Ecuador.

The US dollar, which is Ecuador’s official currency, attracts Peruvian migrants looking for jobs or conducting trade along the southern border.

For more information, please contact

Lorena Mora
IOM Quito
Tel: + 593-2-2444929/8/6
Email: lmmora@iom.int