Aguas de Cartagena freezes tariffs for remainder of 2026 amid dispute with District administration

Aguas de Cartagena has announced it will freeze water and sewage tariffs for the remainder of 2026, opting to maintain current prices instead of implementing increases allowed under a new national regulatory framework. This strategic move by the company's board of directors aims to ease the financial burden on Cartagena households.

The decision comes amidst a contentious relationship with Cartagena's Mayor, Dumek Turbay Paz, who is working to establish a public company, largely owned by the District, to manage water, sewage, and waste services. By freezing tariffs, Aguas de Cartagena seeks to temper public criticism and potentially influence the ongoing dispute.

The company's decision is a direct response to Resolution CRA 1032 of 2026, issued by the Water and Basic Sanitation Regulatory Commission (CRA). This resolution introduced a new tariff methodology, shifting from a five-year calculation horizon to an annual review. While this change could lead to significant bill increases, Aguas de Cartagena stated its intention is to ensure an "orderly transition" and prevent further economic strain on users by year-end.

Despite freezing prices, Aguas de Cartagena remains critical of the new national regulations. In collaboration with industry groups like Andesco, the company has initiated legal actions against specific aspects of Resolution CRA 1032. They argue that certain regulatory elements could jeopardize the financial sustainability of service providers and are seeking greater technical and methodological clarity.