Water crisis in Buenaventura: Valle del Cauca government and UNGRD deploy emergency plan and seek definitive solution

Buenaventura, Colombia's primary port on the Pacific coast, is grappling with a critical water shortage that has left 70% of its population without potable water. The crisis stems from the collapse of a main water pipe, prompting authorities to launch an emergency response plan. A Unified Command Post has been established to mitigate the impact on the community and expedite repairs.

The severe lack of water has disrupted daily life, forcing the Ministry of Education to transition nearly 32,000 students to virtual classes. Despite this shift, the national government has assured that the School Feeding Program (PAE) will continue without interruption to ensure students' nutritional needs are met. The Colombian Institute for Family Welfare (ICBF) is also providing liquid welfare supplements to vulnerable families.

To address the immediate supply needs, the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) has deployed 11 water trucks, with 12 more expected to join, forming a fleet of 23 to bolster basic supply. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Health is deploying 13 medical teams to monitor the epidemiological situation and support affected communities, with plans to add seven more teams.

The Valle del Cauca governorate and UNGRD are coordinating efforts, with $100 billion Colombian pesos allocated for transforming the port's aqueduct system. However, they are seeking co-financing from the national government to complete this long-term solution.