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Print articleQuality and Continuity of the Aqueduct, Sewerage and Waste Utilities
April, 2020 - Carlos Umana
In response to the State of Health Emergency, and the State of Economic, Cultural and Ecological Emergency, issued by the National Government, the Public Utilities Superintendence mentions that the events of climate variability can threaten the provision of public water utility by reducing water resources. To contain this risk, the Superintendence requests that the providers of public water, sewerage, and sanitation services take measures to complement and adjust their Emergency and Contingency Plans. To this end, the Superintendence requests the implementation of 24 concrete measures, among which are the following:
For home public water and sewerage services:
(i) To identify means of producing drinking water that will be distributed to the population by means of alternative solutions, and to continue performing water monitoring measures.(ii) To permanently consult the bulletins and communiqués of IDEAM, among other institutions.(iii) To coordinate with the municipalities where the services are provided, the strategies for implementing contingency measures in the event of urban and rural water shortages.
For public household sanitation services:
(i) To develop campaigns aimed at users to promote adequate waste management.(ii) Coordinate, in compliance with the provisions of Resolution 911 of 2020, with the respective territorial entity, the increase in the periodicity of service provision during the State of Health Emergency.
In any case, the Superintendence requests the implementation of any other measure aimed at ensuring that the population has a sufficient water supply and clean public areas to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Finally, it should be mentioned that this circular is binding insofar as Article 3 of Resolution No. 154 of 2014 of the Ministry of Housing, City and Territory states that the Emergency and Contingency Plans must be kept up to date in accordance with "the provisions of the Superintendence of Public Utilities". Therefore, failure to comply with these conditions could lead to sanctions by the Superintendence, under the terms of Article 81 of Law 142 of 1994.
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