Guayas Irrigation Advisory Boards are afraid to disappear

After the Ecuadorian Government, through Decree 310 of April 17 , created two agencies that regulate water resources: the National Agency for Regulation and Control of Water ( ARCA ) and the Public Company for Water ( EPA) ; the Irrigation Advisory boards of Guayas fear disappearing.

During the meeting they had last week in Daule, representatives of Milagro -Mariscal Sucre, Chilintomo , Manuel J. Calle , El Mate , Higuerón and América Lomas analyzed the document and agreed to request a meeting with government officials to clarify the matter . They fear the government takes the administration away.

According to Julio Carchi, from América Lomas , this deserves a deeper analysis. ” We hope the boards do not disappear, the water boards have achieved great development, we are responsible for Ecuador´s rice exports.”

In 90 days the Ministry of Water will transfer to the EPA as initial capital for its operation and maintenance the reservoirs, dams and irrigation systems Tahuín, Santiaguillo-Cuambo, Chongón, El Azúcar, Ambuquí, Latacunga- Salcedo-Ambato, Trasvase Daule, Santa Elena, Químiag and San Vicente.

The powers which the Ministry of Water has had so far will be passed to the Regulatory Agency to dictate, establish and control technical standards , regulate the allocations of this resourse, water use and control of its application; issue standards for design, construction and management of water infrastructure and monitor its compliance.

It will be able to resolve complaints and disputes and to impose penalties; exercise coercive jurisdiction to regulate and control collection and the technical management of all basic public services related to water.