Completion of Colombia’s Perimetral del Oriente road project in Cundinamarca is now delayed due to a complex dispute. Work for the final two stretches has ground to a halt following the discovery of freshwater springs feeding local neighbourhoods.
The 153km road project was intended to improve transport between Sesquilé and Cáqueza, in Cundinamarca. The first three sections between Sesquilé and La Calera were completed in 2021. But the two sections between La Calera and Cáqueza have been mired in dispute since the 80 water sources were discovered.
The natural springs are protected by strict laws but were not identified during the planning stages. It is not clear how the work can progress, without careful measures to prevent contamination of the springs or whether a new alignment can be identified that will avoid the water courses.
