The Government of Colombia has announced the launch of various projects to ensure the water service in Santa Marta, a city on the Caribbean Sea in the northern Colombian department of Magdalena. 

Concretely on February 22, a bidding process will be opened for the studies and designs for the construction works under the public private partnership (PPP) model, of an aqueduct that will connect the city with the Magdalena river.

The government, through the National Development Plan has identified the use of the PPP model for the development of wastewater treatment, urban storm drainage, and final disposal and utilization of waste projects.

The National Development Plan estimates the potential for private participation in the development of wastewater treatment plants for eight medium-sized cities to be around US$250 million.

Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, said:

"The ultimate solution for Santa Marta to have a reliable water source is through a connection with the Rio Magdalena. I want to finish my Government with 8 million Colombians saying, I did not have access to drinking water and now I have. In sewerage I want to make 7 million Colombians connected to the service. It is part of the great effort that I want to do for my country."