ETAPA Just Approved $58.4 Million in Projects for 2026 — Here's What's Getting Built

ETAPA EP — the public utility that runs Cuenca's water, sewage, telecom, and environmental conservation — just approved its 2026 Annual Contracting Plan: 200 contracts valued at $58.4 million USD.

That's a big number for a municipal utility. Here's what they're actually spending it on.

The Headline Project: Guangarcucho Wastewater Treatment Plant

The single largest investment is the Guangarcucho Wastewater Treatment Plant, a nearly $68 million project (spread across multiple budget years) that will allow Cuenca to treat 100% of its wastewater for the first time.

Right now, a significant portion of Cuenca's sewage flows into the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui, and Machángara rivers with minimal treatment. If you've ever walked along the Tomebamba near Feria Libre and noticed the smell — that's why.

The Guangarcucho plant, located downstream of the city, will change that. When complete, it will be one of the most advanced wastewater facilities in Ecuador.

Why expats should care: Cleaner rivers mean a healthier city. It also means Cuenca can credibly market itself as a sustainable, livable destination — which supports property values and quality of life long-term.

Potable Water Expansion to Santa Ana

ETAPA is building a new potable water system for Santa Ana parish, which will serve over 23,000 residents who currently lack reliable municipal water service.

Santa Ana is about 25 minutes southeast of Cuenca and has been growing steadily. Some expats have moved there for cheaper land and a more rural feel. Until now, many homes relied on community-managed water systems or private wells with inconsistent quality.

20+ Sewer Projects in Rural Areas

Approximately $7.4 million is earmarked for over 20 sewage infrastructure projects in rural parishes around the canton. This is the less glamorous but equally important work — extending sewer lines to communities that currently use septic systems or have no wastewater management at all.

What Else Is in the Plan

The 200 contracts also cover:

• Telecom infrastructure upgrades — ETAPA runs its own fiber optic network and provides internet service in Cuenca
• Páramo conservation programs — continuing the watershed protection work we covered last week, including support for the 350 newly certified community forest brigaders
• Water distribution system maintenance — replacing aging pipes and improving pressure in underserved neighborhoods
• Environmental monitoring — expanded water quality testing across the river system

Context: ETAPA's 2025 Track Record

ETAPA called 2025 its "historic year" for infrastructure delivery. Key accomplishments included:

• Delivering new firefighting equipment worth $215,000 to Cajas park rangers
• Expanding the community brigader program to 350 certified volunteers
• Completing emergency repairs to water infrastructure damaged during the drought and fire emergencies

The 2026 plan builds on that momentum. Whether they can execute 200 contracts in a single year is the open question — Ecuador's public procurement process is notoriously slow, and construction delays are common.

What This Means for You

If you live in Cuenca, you're already an ETAPA customer (water, sewage, and possibly internet). The $58.4 million plan means:

• Expect some construction disruptions — water main replacements and sewer extensions mean road closures and temporary service interruptions, particularly in southern and eastern neighborhoods
• Water quality should improve — both from source protection (páramo) and treatment (Guangarcucho)
• Internet service may improve — ETAPA's fiber network is expanding, which creates more competition with private ISPs
• Your utility bills are funding this — ETAPA is self-financed through user fees, not general tax revenue

For a city of 600,000+, $58.4 million in annual infrastructure investment is solid. It won't transform Cuenca overnight, but it's the kind of steady, unglamorous spending that makes a city actually work.

Sources: ETAPA EP, El Mercurio