The Ministry of Housing, alongside the Superintendency of Public Services, held a coordination session in Riohacha to bolster the sustainability of water projects in La Guajira. An additional investment exceeding $600 billion will directly benefit over 145,000 people through public fountains and system improvements. The aim is to speed up implementation and ensure long-term operation of these vital works.
In Riohacha, the capital of La Guajira, the Ministry of Housing and the Superintendency of Public Utilities held a working session to refine the sustainability and accelerate the execution of water access projects in the region. This initiative addresses the peninsula's longstanding challenges, where Wayuu and urban communities face chronic issues with potable water supply.
Vice Minister of Water and Basic Sanitation, Ruth Quevedo, emphasized that the government has invested over $600 billion in these projects, partly funded by the General National Budget. The funds support the construction of public fountains, rehabilitation, and improvement of existing systems, directly impacting more than 145,000 people. "This coordination with Superservicios is key to the sustainability plan for the works," Quevedo explained during the event.
For his part, Superintendent Felipe Durán announced the introduction of special oversight for the Departmental Water Plans. This step aims to ensure resources are invested efficiently and promptly, preventing delays that harm local communities. The goal is to enhance service conditions in the short term.
During the meeting, the entities convened with the Departmental Public Services Company of La Guajira (Esepgua) to review progress and develop a Strategic Plan. The plan focuses on ongoing operations, service quality, and institutional support for community provisioning schemes, such as public fountains recognized under Law 142. This approach seeks to secure the long-term maintenance of water and sanitation infrastructure in the area.
