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 Sucre and San Vicente: A new water treatment plant, estimated at $16 million, is planned to replace outdated infrastructure over 30 years old.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

In most homes in the Manta region, people need gas to heat water and to cook. Cities and villages in the Manta region have no gas pipelines to deliver (natural) gas. Modern condominium buildings have central gas systems, but if you are not living in such a building, you will need to buy gas cylinders.

Buying gas cylinders

Before buying a gas cylinder filled with gas, you need to be sure that you have an empty gas cylinder to give to the gas vendor. You can get empty gas cylinders at stores like Coral and AKÍ. An empty gas cylinder usually costs between $45 and $55. You can also get gas cylinders from gas vendors, but they ask for a higher price.

The easiest way is to buy a full gas cylinder from a gas distribution truck. The vendor will ask $3 if you return an empty gas cylinder. When no gas distribution trucks are not showing up, you can call one. There are many gas distribution companies with trucks.

Most cities also have several distribution points for consumers. Here you can buy gas cylinders for $1.66 if you return an empty gas cylinder. By law, these gas vendors cannot ask for higher prices. The difference with the price when buying from a gas distribution truck is a service fee.

Recommendations

• Have a reserve gas cylinder in case a gas cylinder runs out.
• Many modern condominium buildings have central gas systems. If you don’t want to worry about gas cylinders, you may choose a home in such a building.
• The colors of gas cylinders vary by region. Sell your gas cylinders when moving to a region with different gas cylinder colors.

In most homes in the Manta region, people need gas to heat water and to cook. Cities and villages in the Manta region have no gas pipelines to deliver (natural) gas. Modern condominium buildings have central gas systems, but if you are not living in such a building, you will need to buy gas cylinders.

Buying gas cylinders

Before buying a gas cylinder filled with gas, you need to be sure that you have an empty gas cylinder to give to the gas vendor. You can get empty gas cylinders at stores like Coral and AKÍ. An empty gas cylinder usually costs between $45 and $55. You can also get gas cylinders from gas vendors, but they ask for a higher price.

The easiest way is to buy a full gas cylinder from a gas distribution truck. The vendor will ask $3 if you return an empty gas cylinder. When no gas distribution trucks are not showing up, you can call one. There are many gas distribution companies with trucks.

Most cities also have several distribution points for consumers. Here you can buy gas cylinders for $1.66 if you return an empty gas cylinder. By law, these gas vendors cannot ask for higher prices. The difference with the price when buying from a gas distribution truck is a service fee.

Recommendations

• Have a reserve gas cylinder in case a gas cylinder runs out.
• Many modern condominium buildings have central gas systems. If you don’t want to worry about gas cylinders, you may choose a home in such a building.
• The colors of gas cylinders vary by region. Sell your gas cylinders when moving to a region with different gas cylinder colors.