The triumphant return (or not so much) of the most questioned aqueduct in Monterrey
Joy in the metropolis! The brand new El Cuchillo 2 Aqueduct, that engineering prodigy that spent more time in maintenance than in operation, has decided to return to the ring. Yes, after six months of forced vacation (because, of course, the pipes also need their break), Nuevo León’s most controversial water conduction system is back in service. Will it work this time? Well, that is a topic for another chapter of this bureaucratic soap opera.
Data that (maybe) inspire confidence
According to the always reliable report from Conagua (that institution that has never been opaque, of course), the aqueduct contributed the dazzling figure of 411 liters per second. Wow! Almost enough to fill a children’s pool in one day. Meanwhile, the old pipeline, the one that was supposedly about to collapse, continues to carry the weight at 4,794 liters per second. But don’t worry, the new one is much better… when it decides to work.
And speaking of the dam spillway, another 1,089 liters per second goes to the Las Lajas Irrigation District. Because, apparently, crops take priority over thirsty Monterrey residents. Priorities, gentlemen.
The mysterious case of the ghost aqueduct
The funniest thing about all this is the hermeticism that surrounds the topic. Water and Drainage of Monterrey and Conagua have handled the matter with the transparency of a concrete wall. First they said that they stopped the new pipeline to save energy (80 million pesos per month, according to them). Then, surprise, it turned out that it was due to technical failures. What a plot twist! Even EL NORTE discovered that the pipeline had remains of materials that damaged the equipment. Who would have thought? Well, anyone who has seen how public works are done in this country.
And let’s not forget the broken promises: in February, AyD assured that between May and June they would fix the old pipeline. Spoiler: It’s May and there’s no sign of repairs. But don’t worry, it’s probably just a small delay.
So, dear citizens, enjoy this intermittent supply while it lasts. Because in the world of water in Monterrey, the only constant is improvisation.
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