politics
May 9, 2026
The Double Obsolescence of the Aqueduct: A Problem of Rights and Governance
Aguas de Cartagena, the mixed company that has provided water and sewage services in Cartagena since 1995, today faces a double obsolescence: physical and administrative. This crisis compromises the sustainability of the system, the fundamental right to water, and the safety of maintenance personnel, who are targets of aggression due to social frustration over the poor quality of service.
TL;DR
- Aguas de Cartagena faces physical and administrative obsolescence, impacting water and sewage services since 1995.
- The aging infrastructure, with pipes over 50 years old, is inadequate for Cartagena's growth.
- The current governance model, driven by external corporate interests, prioritizes profitability over local system sustainability.
- Citizens perceive a fragile service despite the company reporting profits, highlighting a disconnect.
- A new public policy is needed to prioritize infrastructure reinvestment, expansion, and accountable governance for water access.