Service: there will be a water cut this Friday in the north of Bucaramanga, know which are the affected neighborhoods

Water supply disruptions have been announced for parts of northern Bucaramanga this Friday, affecting more than 20,000 users over a 24-hour period. The Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga (AMB) has confirmed the temporary suspension of water service in several neighborhoods due to maintenance work on distribution tanks located in the Bienestar and Ferroviás areas. This maintenance is aimed at ensuring the proper functioning of the water network and preventing future service interruptions. The disruption will begin on Friday, July 10, at 3:00 p.m. and last until Saturday, July 11, at 3:00 p.m. Affected areas include districts such as Ferroviás and Betania, with specific neighborhoods including Campo Madrid, Kennedy, Café Madrid, Ciudadela Café Madrid, Villas de San Ignacio, Claveriano, San Valentín, Villa Alegría I and II, Olas Bajas, Olas Altas, Omagá, Paisajes del Norte, Altos del Progreso, Mirador del Kennedy, Las Hamacas, Bavaria, San Ignacio Real, and Betania. Public water stations in both districts will also experience the outage. Residents in these areas are advised to stock up on water in advance to avoid inconvenience during the interruption. The AMB has provided contact information for residents who need assistance or wish to report issues related to the water cut-off. These include phone numbers 689 8080 and 333 033 3356, along with official digital channels. The utility company emphasized the importance of the maintenance work to ensure the stability and reliability of the water supply system in the region. In another part of the country, concerns about infrastructure progress were raised in Cali during a political oversight session held by the city council. The meeting focused on the execution of infrastructure projects under the city's development plan, known as “Cali, Capital Pacífica de Colombia.” Council members expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace of implementation despite significant funding allocated for road recovery and public works. According to data presented during the session, only 33% of the budget assigned to infrastructure has been executed, even though nearly $900 million has been allocated for road improvements. Of the 1,600 kilometers of roads planned for rehabilitation, just 110 kilometers have been completed. Several major projects, including the Chipichape Bridge, the Jovita Boulevard, and the renovation of Sixth Avenue, remain untouched. Council members highlighted delays in the construction of sidewalks and cycling infrastructure, which have barely begun compared to the 35 kilometers promised. The situation in certain neighborhoods has drawn particular attention. Council member Edison Lucumí pointed out that while some interventions have taken place on the City of Cali Avenue, critical components such as sidewalks and cycle paths have been neglected. He also noted the lack of investment in communes 13, 14, 15, and 21, where over 500 pedestrian bridges await reconstruction. Other council members called for technical studies to be prepared in case time runs out for full project execution, particularly regarding the Roosevelt Avenue Alameda, which could become a stalled initiative without timely action. Meanwhile, in Santa Marta, efforts are underway to address longstanding challenges in the water and sewage systems. The city has received substantial funding exceeding $800 million from the national government to improve its water and sanitation infrastructure. One of the first visible outcomes of this investment was the commissioning of the Northern Wastewater Pump Station (EBAR), which serves as the heart of Santa Marta’s sanitation system. The station, which required a complete overhaul of its mechanical and electrical equipment, aims to eliminate the frequent overflow problems that affected iconic areas such as the Historic Center, Pescaíto, Bellavista, and the public market. Santa Marta has faced severe water shortages exacerbated by the current dry season, which has reduced river flows significantly. To address this challenge, plans are underway to construct two new water plants, one of which will be a desalination facility. Officials have stated that the project is progressing well, with the selection process for the desalination plant nearing completion. The initiative is expected to serve as a lasting legacy for the city’s infrastructure development. The mayor of Santa Marta, Carlos Pinedo Cuello, emphasized the importance of these projects in improving public health and urban development. He noted that the rehabilitation of the wastewater pump station was a top priority since the beginning of his administration, highlighting the collaboration between the local government and the national authorities in securing the necessary resources. The minister of Housing, Urban Development, and Territory, Helga María Rivas, confirmed the involvement of local contractors, citizen watchdogs, and the University of Magdalena in the implementation of these projects. These developments highlight ongoing efforts across different regions of Colombia to enhance essential services and infrastructure. While some areas face immediate disruptions, others are working toward long-term solutions to address historical shortcomings in their public utilities. As these initiatives continue, they aim to provide sustainable improvements that benefit communities and support economic growth.