LA PAZ, May 17 (Xinhua) -- Bolivian President Luis Arce on Wednesday swore in the new minister of Environment and Water, Ruben Alejandro Mendez, entrusting him to tackle water issues as a key government policy.
Mendez takes over from Juan Santos Cruz, who resigned amid an investigation into corruption allegations.
"Water is a central issue of our economic model and policy," the Bolivian president said at the swearing-in ceremony held at government headquarters in the capital La Paz. "We are facing a water crisis worldwide, and Bolivia cannot be on the sidelines."
The new minister holds a master's degree in project planning and development from Loyola University in La Paz. He has completed various courses, including water resources management, comprehensive basin management, and preparation and evaluation of public investment projects.
He also served as general director of the ministry's Integrated Solid Waste Management.
Mendez expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him and pledged to work "intensely" to achieve the government's Agenda 2025 goals regarding water, irrigation and sanitation. ■
