# Water infrastructure development in Colombia and Venezuela

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-infrastructure-development-in-colombia-and-venezuela
> Updated: 2026-10-25T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3.

Water supply and infrastructure projects continue across parts of Colombia and Venezuela to improve access to potable water.

In Colombia, the Rural Development Agency (ADR) has enabled a water connection in La Guajira to transport 144 liters of water per second from the El Cercado reservoir to the Corral de Piedra treatment plant. This infrastructure, supported by an investment of over 570 million pesos for the maintenance of valves and gates, provides a permanent supply alternative for more than 45,000 residents in San Juan del Cesar and the districts of La Junta, La Peña, and Curazao. This connection aims to reduce dependency on the Cesar River during dry seasons. The broader Ranchería River project remains a multipurpose initiative for human consumption, hydroelectric power, and the irrigation of 18,536 hectares. Proponents note that legal rulings protect the rights of Wayuu children to water for both agricultural and domestic use.

Additionally, the Ministry of Housing and Enel Colombia are investing $6.621 billion to provide water access to 5,010 indigenous residents in Maicao via a public tap system. In Galapa, new impulse pumps have been installed to improve water pressure.

In Venezuela, the José Leonardo Chirino water treatment plant has begun installing new pumping equipment at the Churuguara Station to stabilize supply for thousands of families. In the Alta Guajira region of Zulia, authorities delivered two water tanker trucks to the Cojoro community, with operations to be managed by local communes. A desalination plant is also under construction to convert seawater or brackish water into fresh water, with plans to integrate hybrid solar and wind energy systems.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-25: Regional initiatives address water and nutrition in Guajira

Efforts to combat regional crises in Guajira include new water tankers and a desalination plant in Venezuela, alongside a major nutrition research congress in Colombia to address malnutrition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/regional-initiatives-address-water-and-nutrition-in-guajira

### 2026-10-25: La Guajira water connection enables supply for 45,000 residents

The ADR has enabled a water connection in La Guajira, Colombia, supplying 45,000 people in San Juan del Cesar and surrounding areas via the El Cercado reservoir.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/la-guajira-water-connection-enables-supply-for-45000-residents

### 2026-10-22: San Juan del Cesar activates backup water aqueduct

A new backup water connection from the El Cercado reservoir to the San Juan del Cesar treatment plant has been activated, providing a reliable water supply for 45,000 residents in La Guajira.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/san-juan-del-cesar-activates-backup-water-aqueduct

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Cite as: Water infrastructure development in Colombia and Venezuela. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-infrastructure-development-in-colombia-and-venezuela