Colombia faces one of its most serious water crises, a situation that raised alarm bells nationwide. During a meeting of the Attorney General’s Office with senior government officials, it was revealed that approximately 80% of Colombian territory is at imminent risk of water shortage, exacerbated by the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
“We have just finished the meeting with the entire environment and energy sector, and the idea is that we are talking calmly to be able to work jointly against the La Niña phenomenon, and in an adequate closure of actions to address the El Niño phenomenon that prevent water and energy shortages,” said the attorney, Margarita Cabello.
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He added that “in these issues of benefits for the country, the key word is to articulate and work harmoniously.”
Special emphasis was placed on the alarming situation of the reservoirs, whose operation is compromised, putting 692 municipalities in 25 departments at risk. This reality highlights the magnitude of a crisis that could affect almost 80% of the country.
Faced with this, the Attorney General’s Office urged the Government to take urgent measures to prevent and mitigate the water shortage that already affects the nation. For this reason, the attorney emphasized “the need to mitigate the possible uncertainties that may arise regarding the information related to the proper functioning of the reservoirs and the urgent need to strengthen strategies and actions in the face of the growing problem of water shortage.”
Additionally, a worrying situation was reported in 325 municipalities in 23 departments, where More than 50% already face serious supply problems, with at least 58 municipalities in a state of rationing.
“We have our doors open to provide the support that is required from our missionality, because it is a commitment that we have today as public servants with all Colombians, within the framework of the constitutional principle of harmonious collaboration,” stated Attorney Cabello.
Finally, Margarita Cabello stressed that the National Management Plan for the El Niño phenomenon, the formulation and updating of Emergency and Contingency Plans, as well as the targeting of resources and the actions implemented to strengthen capacities must have priority at this time. emergency response.
Discussions between the Attorney General’s Office and the Government also focused on the measures necessary to strengthen the response to emergencies and the transition between the El Niño and La Niña phenomena. Key representatives of the water and energy sector, including the vice minister of water and sanitation, and directors of relevant institutions, were part of this dialogue.
The Minister of the Environment, Susana Muhamad, pointed out that The water crisis in Bogotá could extend until 2025, which shows the seriousness of the situation. “I couldn’t say that rationing is maintained, but what I can say is that we are on permanent alert, at least throughout this year and next year, until the next rainy season arrives again,” explained the minister.
In response, the Government committed more than 80 billion pesos in initiatives to strengthen ecological restoration and productive reconversion in key areas for water supply in the capital. Despite the efforts, the water crisis is a palpable reality throughout the country, and its resolution requires decisive and coordinated actions.
Regarding reservoir levels, the Energy and Gas Regulatory Commission (Creg) published a resolution that seeks to promote the efficient use of electrical energy. This initiative aims to promote the recovery of water levels in national reservoirs and avoid possible shortage situations.
According to the institution, the purpose of this policy is to reduce energy consumption in the country. This will allow not only an increase in reservoir levels but also a faster recovery of them.
