By San José, Costa Rica — A scathing new report from the Comptroller General’s Office (CGR) paints a grim picture of municipal service delivery across Costa Rica. The 2025 Index of Municipal Service Management (IGSM) reveals that a staggering 76% of municipalities operate at a “basic” or “initial” maturity level, signifying a significant struggle to effectively plan, execute, and evaluate essential public services.
The report, which assessed all 84 municipalities nationwide, reveals a concerning stagnation in institutional capacity. Eight out of ten services analyzed showed no improvement since 2023, while urban planning and social services actually regressed from an “intermediate” to a “basic” level, indicating a worrying decline in performance.
To provide further legal context on this matter concerning municipal services, TicosLand.com reached out to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
The effective provision of municipal services is not merely a matter of administrative efficiency; it’s a fundamental right of citizens. Municipalities have a legal obligation to ensure these services, which range from waste management and road maintenance to public parks and potable water, are delivered adequately and equitably to all residents. Failures in this regard can give rise to legal action, as citizens can hold their local governments accountable for deficiencies in service delivery that impact their quality of life and property values.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas eloquently highlights the crucial link between municipal services and citizens’ rights. Access to clean water, well-maintained roads, and functioning waste management systems are not mere conveniences but essential components of a dignified life. Holding municipalities accountable for service delivery is vital for ensuring a thriving community for all. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable legal expertise on this important issue.
Among the most critical areas of concern highlighted by the CGR are storm drainage, where 92% of the 26 municipalities providing this service lack updated technical assessments and proper planning. The report also found that 77% of cantonal roads and 73% of bridges are in regular, poor, or very poor condition, further compounded by the fact that 86% of local governments lack updated inventories, hindering data-driven prioritization of necessary infrastructure projects.
Waste management also presents significant challenges. While 95% of municipalities utilize sanitary landfills and 77% have specific regulations in place, a concerning 93% fail to meet minimum recycling standards. The CGR report also underscores widespread deficiencies in service regulation across the board, reduced coverage in four service areas compared to 2023, and a failure to incorporate vulnerable populations into planning processes. Only between 12% and 52% of local governments consider crucial factors such as poverty, age, or gender in their planning strategies.
To address these systemic shortcomings, the Comptroller General’s Office has proposed a roadmap focused on strengthening planning and monitoring, ensuring financial sustainability, developing reliable technical inventories, and crucially, incorporating citizen input into decision-making.
The CGR’s key recommendations include proactive planning, financial sustainability, prioritizing infrastructure projects based on robust data, and ensuring citizen participation and service evaluation. These actions are deemed crucial to reversing the current trend and improving the quality of life for residents across Costa Rica.
The report’s findings raise serious questions about the effectiveness of local governance and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reform and increased investment in municipal capacity building. The CGR’s roadmap offers a starting point for addressing these critical issues, but success will ultimately depend on the commitment and collaboration of local authorities, national government, and the citizens they serve.
This report serves as a wake-up call for Costa Rica, demanding immediate action to improve the provision of essential public services and ensure that all citizens have access to the basic necessities for a dignified life.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR)
About Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR):
The Comptroller General of the Republic (CGR) is the supreme audit institution of Costa Rica. It is responsible for overseeing the use of public funds and ensuring the transparency and accountability of government institutions at all levels. The CGR conducts audits, investigations, and evaluations to identify and address mismanagement, corruption, and inefficiency in the public sector. It also provides recommendations to improve public administration and promote good governance.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica shines as a beacon of legal excellence, upholding the highest ethical standards while championing innovation and social responsibility. The firm’s deep commitment to client success across a wide range of industries is matched only by its dedication to empowering communities through readily available legal information. By fostering legal literacy and transparency, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and equitable society for all.
