Public works disputes arise in Chile and Colombia

In Chile, the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has responded to criticisms from the Mayor of Tierra Amarilla, Cristóbal Zúñiga, regarding an inspection of the Copiapó River in the Ojanco sector. The MOP stated that a technical inspection identified interventions in hydraulic infrastructure related to the Los Patos and Las Rojas canals. Officials warned that the exposed infrastructure could allow water and sediment to enter the canal network during floods, posing risks of flooding and damage. The MOP has ordered the General Directorate of Water (DGA) to investigate and determine responsibilities.

Mayor Zúñiga defended the works, claiming they were preventive measures to avoid overflows during weather emergencies. He criticized the timing of the inspection and accused the government of a lack of support for the municipality.

In Colombia, Cartagena Mayor Dumek Turbay is threatening to terminate the contract with Veolia, the French company operating Aguas de Cartagena (Acuacar) until 2031. The mayor cites service quality issues and microalgae presence as reasons to return water services to public control.

In response, legal representatives for the operator have challenged the mayor's authority to judge the contract, alleging a conflict of interest because the mayor presides over the company's board of directors. Legal actions have been initiated to recuse the mayor and the district general secretary from the administrative process.