Accessing Clean Water in Manabí: Current Issues and Future Plans

In 2024, the province of Manabí faced a severe water crisis compounded by frequent blackouts. Residents in several cantons were forced to purchase water from tankers due to widespread shortages. These challenges highlight the region’s long-standing struggle with providing basic services like clean water, electricity, and sanitation.

Despite being Ecuador’s third-largest non-petroleum province, with a thriving fishing industry, tourism potential, and real estate growth in cities like Manta and Portoviejo, basic infrastructure remains inadequate. Official statistics show that only 61.1% of residents have access to piped water, leaving a significant portion of the population reliant on alternative sources.

Widespread Impact

Water shortages have directly affected at least 12 of Manabí’s 22 cantons, including Manta, Portoviejo, Montecristi, and Jipijapa. Many residents in rural and high-altitude areas have gone without water for months. This situation is attributed to aging infrastructure and poor maintenance of water treatment and supply systems.

The La Esperanza Aqueduct in Disrepair

The La Esperanza aqueduct, a critical 94-kilometer water pipeline, is in disrepair due to lack of maintenance, unauthorized water use, and growing demand from local industries. Originally designed to supply water to the now-defunct Pacific Refinery project, the aqueduct is currently struggling to meet the needs of Jaramijó, Montecristi, and Manta.

Key Projects for 2025

Authorities have outlined several critical projects to address these issues:

1. Sucre and San Vicente: A new water treatment plant, estimated at $16 million, is planned to replace outdated infrastructure over 30 years old.

2. Jaramijó: A project to build a water capture system at $9 million is underway, with consultancy already hired.

3. Montecristi: A $28 million aqueduct is in progress to address the canton’s chronic water shortages.

4. Jipijapa: A $10.6 million loan will fund upgrades to the water treatment system and repair wastewater treatment facilities.

5. Manta: Two desalination plants, part of the $17 million “Planta Manta” project, aim to expand the city’s water supply, alongside a $40 million wastewater treatment system.

6. The rehabilitation of the Poza Honda and La Esperanza dams are planned. These dams support hydroelectric power generation and water supply.

7. A design for new generation facilities for the Chone and Tahuín dams.

8. The creation of nine water control gates across key cantons, improving irrigation, energy production, and potable water availability.

Broader Efforts to Improve Water Access

At a national level, Ecuador allocated $545 million for potable water and sanitation projects in 2024. In Manabí and neighboring provinces, $236 million has been invested in technical viability studies. However, rural areas remain significantly underserved, with only 29.2% of Manabí’s rural population having access to piped water.

Conclusion

While significant investments are being made to address Manabí’s water challenges, the road to reliable access for all residents remains long. As an expat  living in the region you should stay informed about developments and consider these issues when planning their daily activities or future investments in the area.

Source: Primicias.