5 Critical Updates On The Acueducto Metropolitano De Bucaramanga: 2025 Projects, Coverage, And The Water Meter Controversy

The Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga (AMB) remains a cornerstone of public services in the Santander region, with its operations constantly evolving to meet the demands of a growing metropolitan area. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the utility is navigating significant challenges, from major infrastructure projects designed to expand capacity to a high-profile controversy over the mass replacement of residential water meters. This deep dive provides the most current information, project timelines, and key facts about the institution that supplies potable water to hundreds of thousands of subscribers across Bucaramanga and its surrounding municipalities. The AMB is actively implementing its investment budget, focusing on both preventative maintenance—as evidenced by scheduled service suspensions in November 2024 for areas like Centro and Floridablanca—and long-term strategic expansion. Understanding the current state of the AMB is crucial for residents, businesses, and investors, as its stability directly impacts the region's quality of life and economic development.

Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga: Key Facts and Institutional Profile

The Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga S.A. E.S.P. (AMB) is more than just a water utility; it is a historical and strategic asset for the region. Established over a century ago, the company is classified as a mixed public services company (*Empresa de Servicios Públicos Domiciliarios*), a structure that combines both public and private capital to manage essential services. Key facts about the institution:

• Foundation: The AMB originated in 1916, meaning it has been in operation for over 105 years, providing a long history of growth and transformation in the region.
• Legal Status: It operates as a mixed public services company (S.A. E.S.P.).
• Current Coverage: Water supply coverage in Bucaramanga is notably high, averaging around 96.30%. The company is working towards a strategic goal of achieving 100% coverage in all neighborhoods.
• Subscriber Base: The AMB serves a massive population, supplying water to over 282,236 subscribers across the metropolitan area.
• Capacity: The system maintains a minimum flow rate of 1980 liters per second (l/s) at its main capture points, with the Bosconia Treatment Plant being a primary source for the system.
• Landmark Project: The "Parque del Agua" is one of the AMB's most recognized architectural works, having become a source of pride and a regional landmark for over 15 years.
• Current Leadership: As of recent reports, the company is managed by Hernán Clavijo Granados.

Major Infrastructure Projects and Expansion Plans (2024–2025)

The Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga is continuously investing in its infrastructure to secure and expand the water supply for the future, particularly in the rapidly developing municipalities of the metropolitan area, including Floridablanca, Girón, and Piedecuesta.

The 2025 Conduction Line Design

A key project extending into the near future is the design of a new conduction line. This initiative, officially designated SP-amb-077-2025, focuses on the segment between the PTAP Rafael Ardila Duarte (Potable Water Treatment Plant) and the Tanque Girón mayor (Girón Major Tank). This design work covers a significant distance, from kilometer 2+850 to kilometer 15+890, and is critical for strengthening the supply capacity to the Girón area.

The Los Angelinos Project

The AMB is involved in the "Los Angelinos" project, a major construction effort aimed at strengthening the system. This project is being executed by a consortium in which ACCIONA Agua, a global infrastructure leader, holds a 75% stake, alongside the Colombian firm Construvicol. Such international partnerships underscore the complexity and scale of the infrastructure required to maintain a Triple A-rated public services company, a goal the AMB is actively pursuing.

Improvement and Coverage Expansion Plan

Beyond specific construction, the AMB has a broader Plan for Improvement and Coverage Expansion. This plan is designed to strengthen the overall supply capacity and extend water access to an additional 54,000 inhabitants within Bucaramanga. This initiative is essential for accommodating urban growth and ensuring that the region's water resources can keep pace with demographic shifts. Furthermore, the AMB is actively involved in environmental stewardship, sponsoring campaigns and events focused on the care of water sources and the surrounding environment, particularly in municipalities considered water producers.

The Controversies: Water Meters and Contractual Scrutiny

Despite its operational stability and ambitious projects, the Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga has recently faced several public and regulatory challenges, sparking curiosity and debate among its subscribers.

The 150,000 Water Meter Replacement Dispute

The most significant and widely discussed controversy involves the AMB's stated intention to replace approximately 150,000 residential water meters across the metropolitan area. This mass replacement plan generated immediate public outcry and confusion over the necessity and cost of the change. The national regulatory body, the Superintendencia de Servicios Públicos Domiciliarios (Superservicios), intervened to clarify the legal standing of the issue. Superservicios explicitly stated that the replacement of a water meter is not mandatory if the existing meter is in good working condition. This clarification was a direct response to the controversy, reassuring consumers that they are protected against unnecessary costs and that the AMB must demonstrate that the current meter is malfunctioning before mandating a replacement.

Contractual Conflicts and Management Changes

The AMB has also been under scrutiny regarding its contracting processes. There have been reports of potential conflicts of interest concerning several contracts, which have drawn the attention of control entities. In a related high-profile case, the company faced "million-dollar troubles" regarding a contract—valued at $11 billion pesos—for the water supply to the northern sector of Bucaramanga. This contract was signed shortly before the resignation of a former manager, Alejandro Estrada, highlighting the political and financial complexities involved in managing such a critical public utility. These events underscore the continuous need for transparency and oversight in the management of public funds and essential services.

Challenges and the Path to a Triple A Rating

The AMB’s future is tied to its ability to manage external pressures and internal goals. One of the major external challenges is the conflict between water resource protection and the threat of mining overexploitation in the region. Ensuring a sustainable water supply requires the AMB to actively participate in environmental protection and resource management debates. Internally, the company has set a high bar for itself: achieving a Triple A rating. This designation, typically used for municipal water and sanitation companies with high financial and operational standards, would solidify the AMB’s reputation as a top-tier public service provider. By continuing to invest in projects like the 2025 conduction line, expanding coverage, and navigating public controversies with transparency, the Acueducto Metropolitano de Bucaramanga aims to secure its role as a reliable and modern utility for the entire metropolitan region.

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