The shortage of drinking water continues in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, affecting thousands of users. Although the Municipal Water and Sewerage System (SAPAM) announced on November 10, 2025, that the service suspension would last 60 days, 90 days have now passed and the work is still not finished.
According to the agency, the interruption of supply is due to the replacement of a pipe that is more than 50 years old, which has suffered at least four ruptures in recent years. The replacement and modernization work on the water network began on Julio M. Corzo Street, between La Almolonga and Benito Juárez Avenues, encompassing neighborhoods and districts in the central, southern, and eastern areas of the Jovel Valley.
Since the beginning of the work, SAPAM reported that the project would last approximately two months; However, as of February 10, the work is behind schedule, with an estimated completion rate of 70%, while residents continue to face water shortages in their homes.
During a visit to the area, it was confirmed that work is ongoing, although progress is limited. Approximately 10 workers were observed on site trying to expedite the project, while Julio M. Corzo Street remains closed, forcing motorists to use alternate routes to get to their homes, workplaces, or schools.
The project is being carried out in coordination with local authorities and the organization Citizens for Territorial Action in the Jovel Valley Basin. However, as of Tuesday morning, SAPAM (the municipal water utility) had not officially reported an updated progress report. Residents stated that “the outages are constant and the shortage persists in various neighborhoods, so we ask the City Council to plan broader and more permanent water supply projects, since those most affected are the residents of the outskirts.”
Finally, Municipal Transit personnel reported that, due to the work of replacing the main line and residential connections, the road closure on Julio M. Corzo Street remains in effect, so they urged motorists to take extreme precautions and use alternate routes to avoid accidents.
Source: oem
