Colón Faces Uncertainty Over Future of Waste Collection as Contract Nears Expiration

A cloud of uncertainty hangs over the district of Colón as its crucial solid waste collection service faces a precarious future. The contract with the current concessionaire, AguAseo, is set to expire in April 2027, yet a deep political rift within the Municipal Council has stalled any progress on renewal or a new bidding process.

Mayor Diógenes Galván has voiced strong opposition to an automatic contract extension with AguAseo, a deal reportedly worth over $240 million. He alleges that the company has failed to meet its obligations and has instead proposed a mixed-enterprise model for waste management. However, his proposal has struggled to gain traction among the council members.

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Ten council members want to decide with AguAseo to renew it for 20 or 25 more years automatically, a contract of more than 240 million dollars with a company that has failed to comply.

Conversely, Hugo Castro, the President of the Municipal Council, has refuted the mayor's claims, asserting the legality of ongoing discussions with AguAseo. Castro stated that a commission comprising representatives from all 15 corregimientos has been formed to thoroughly evaluate all available options, aiming to secure the best outcome for Colón.

The lack of a clear decision is creating significant unease among residents and stakeholders. The debate highlights a fundamental disagreement on how to best manage a vital public service, with accusations of political maneuvering and concerns over the quality of service provided by AguAseo. The future of waste collection in Colón remains undecided, caught in the crosscurrents of political tension and scrutiny over service delivery.

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We want the best for Colón. The meetings with AguAseo are not illegal.