Wastewater treatment infrastructure faces capacity risks in Panama and Colombia

Authorities in Panama and Colombia are raising alarms regarding the inadequate state of wastewater treatment infrastructure.

In Panama, Antonio Tercero González, director of the Instituto de Acueductos y Alcantarillados Nacionales (Idaan), identified 17 treatment plants in residential areas that pose a risk to watersheds supplying drinking water facilities. These sites are classified as environmental liabilities. Additionally, González noted that out of approximately 50 plants under Idaan's responsibility, 44 require attention, while over 1,000 other residential plants are reportedly collapsed or inoperative. A working group involving the Ministry of Environment and private developers has been established to address these priority sites using emergency and current budgets.

In Colombia, a report from the Cundinamarca Comptroller's Office indicates that 27 out of 61 reported wastewater treatment plants (PTAR) in the department lack sufficient capacity to meet current needs. This represents approximately 44.3% of the monitored infrastructure. The oversight body noted that the mere existence of a plant does not guarantee adequate treatment or the reduction of pollutant discharges.