# Public works and utility disputes in Chile and Colombia > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/public-works-and-utility-disputes-in-chile-and-colombia > Updated: 2026-08-12T21:11:22.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. Public works and utility management disputes have emerged in Chile and Colombia. In Chile, the Ministry of Public Works (MOP) has ordered an investigation by the General Directorate of Water (DGA) following a technical inspection of hydraulic infrastructure near the Copiapó River. The MOP warned that interventions in the Los Patos and Las Rojas canals could lead to flooding and damage. However, the Mayor of Tierra Amarilla, Cristóbal Zúñiga, defended the works as preventive measures and accused the government of failing to support the municipality. In Colombia, Cartagena Mayor Dumek Turbay has threatened to terminate the contract with Veolia, the operator of Aguas de Cartagena, citing service quality issues and the presence of microalgae. Legal representatives for the company have challenged the mayor’s authority to make this decision, 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. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Public works disputes arise in Chile and Colombia Chilean authorities are investigating hydraulic interventions in the Copiapó River, while Cartagena's mayor faces legal challenges in his attempt to terminate a major water utility contract. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/public-works-disputes-arise-in-chile-and-colombia ### 2026-08-09: Administrative disputes reported in Coello and Salto Reports emerge of unpaid volunteer firefighters in Coello, Colombia, due to contract delays, while in Salto, Uruguay, officials debate the impact of foundation-based employment on worker salaries. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/administrative-disputes-reported-in-coello-and-salto --- Cite as: Public works and utility disputes in Chile and Colombia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/public-works-and-utility-disputes-in-chile-and-colombia