Buenos Aires government denounces national government's underspending on water fund amid El Niño warnings

The government of Buenos Aires Province has accused the national administration of Javier Milei of significantly underspending and misallocating funds designated for crucial water infrastructure projects. Gabriel Katopodis, the province's Infrastructure Minister, stated that over 290 billion pesos from the national water fund have been "underspent and stolen" since the current government took office in 2023.

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The government of Javier Milei has underspent and stolen more than 290 billion pesos from the national water fund since coming to power in 2023.

This alleged underspending is particularly alarming as Argentina braces for the El Niño phenomenon, a natural climate event expected to cause severe alterations and increased rainfall globally. The forecast indicates a strong El Niño event between November and January, with the La Plata Basin, affecting several Argentine provinces including Buenos Aires, anticipated to be significantly impacted.

Katopodis emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "This is happening with hydraulic works precisely in the context where we are expecting El Niño and very, very severe storms." He criticized the national government's priorities, suggesting they are diverting funds towards financial speculation rather than essential infrastructure.

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In the context that we are expecting El Niño and storms, very, very severe, this is happening with hydraulic works.

The provincial government's complaint centers on the lack of progress on major works vital for water drainage, especially in preparation for heavy rainfall. They highlighted the unfinished fourth stage of the Río Salado project, which was funded by the water fund until 2023, as a prime example of stalled critical infrastructure development.

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Everything that these guys can put into financial speculation, they do.