In the heart of Bolivia’s Colomi region, a quiet revolution is humming—literally. The San Jose Hydroelectric Power Station, a landmark project under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is turning rushing water into life-changing energy for local communities.
Meet Hector Cespedes Veizaga, a Bolivian worker whose story mirrors the transformation. Before the project, Hector’s family relied on gas lamps and radios. Now, lights illuminate their nights, TVs stream global culture, and smartphones connect them to the world. 'My kids can study after sunset and explore technology like never before,' Hector shares.
Once a barren agricultural zone, Colomi is now dubbed Bolivia’s 'hydroelectric capital.' The plant, nestled between the Andes and the Amazon, powers homes, schools, and dreams. For locals, it’s more than electricity—it’s a gateway to economic opportunities and sustainable growth.
This milestone marks BRI’s 10th anniversary, showcasing how infrastructure can bridge progress and people. The project’s journey is captured in Rising with Pride, a documentary co-created by Bolivian filmmaker Oliver Vargas and journalist Bradley Blankenship, set to air on Latin America’s iDocumenta.
From darkness to light, Bolivia’s hydro symphony is a testament to clean energy’s power—and proof that collaboration can spark global change.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com