Caribbean energy crisis now also affects water service for at least 230,000 inhabitants

May 8, 2026

TL;DR

Arjona and Turbaco in Bolívar have suffered over three months of continuous energy interruptions.
These power outages have led to a lack of potable water service, affecting around 230,000 inhabitants.
The water company Acualco has formally demanded immediate solutions from Afinia, citing repeated failures in energy supply.
Citizens have organized road blockades and protests due to the lack of water, impacting basic activities like cooking and hygiene.
The crisis is linked to a history of energy instability in the Colombian Caribbean, following the liquidation of Electricaribe in 2020.
Superintendent Felipe Durán suggests the issue is systemic and may require a reevaluation of the energy model for the region.

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