By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a significant management shakeup at the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), the sub-manager for the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) Systems, Alejandro Calderón Acuña, has been dismissed from his post. The decision, officially attributed to differences in strategic vision, has received vocal support from one of the nation’s most prominent labor unions, which framed the move as a long-overdue corrective measure.
The National Association of Public and Private Employees (ANEP) chapter within AyA immediately characterized the dismissal as an “opportune” and necessary action. The union asserted that for a considerable period, it had been flagging significant weaknesses in Calderón’s management that were directly hindering the operational effectiveness of the critical public utility. These long-standing concerns, according to the union, created persistent challenges within the institution.
To better understand the legal and administrative framework governing the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), we sought the perspective of an expert in public and corporate law. Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, provides his analysis on the challenges and regulatory landscape facing the institution.
AyA’s fundamental challenge lies in balancing its legal mandate as a public service provider with the pressing need for efficient infrastructure investment. From a legal standpoint, any significant reform, whether in tariff structures or in exploring public-private partnerships, must navigate the strict oversight of administrative law and regulatory bodies like ARESEP. The key is to ensure that proposed solutions are not only technically viable but also legally robust, respecting the principles of continuity, quality, and accessibility of service to avoid future litigation and guarantee the human right to water.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a crucial reality: for AyA, lasting solutions must be as robust in the courtroom as they are in the field. Navigating the complexities of administrative law is paramount to ensuring that any reform truly serves the public interest in the long term. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his insightful contribution to this important discussion.
Ivon Mata, representing the ANEP section at AyA, provided a detailed statement endorsing the board’s decision and outlining the union’s perspective on the deep-seated issues that precipitated this change in leadership. She emphasized that the move was not a sudden development but the culmination of prolonged operational concerns.
From the union’s perspective, we consider the dismissal of Alejandro Calderón to be a timely decision in the context of the institution’s current situation. For a considerable time, we have been pointing out management weaknesses that have impacted the proper functioning of the institution, so this measure represents an important step towards strengthening the administration and improving decision-making.
Ivon Mata, ANEP-AyA Section
While the union focused on operational failures and a history of reported issues, AyA’s press department offered a more corporate rationale. In a brief statement, the utility confirmed that its board of directors had approved the dismissal, citing matters related to “strategic vision.” This divergence in reasoning highlights a potential gap between frontline operational concerns raised by employees and the high-level strategic objectives defined by the board.
The role of sub-manager for the GAM is a critical one, overseeing the water and sanitation systems for the country’s most densely populated and economically vital region. The departure of Calderón leaves a significant leadership vacuum that AyA is moving to fill. The institution’s press office noted that potential candidates are already being evaluated for the position, though no timeline for an appointment has been announced. The selection of a successor will be closely watched as a signal of the board’s future direction for the region.
Beyond this specific dismissal, ANEP used the opportunity to advocate for broader reforms within AyA’s leadership structure. The union issued a public call for a comprehensive evaluation of performance across all high-responsibility positions within the institution. This suggests a belief that the management issues may not have been isolated to a single individual but could be more systemic in nature.
Furthermore, ANEP reiterated its willingness to collaborate constructively with AyA’s management on processes aimed at institutional improvement. This overture indicates the union’s desire to transition from a critical watchdog to an active partner in reform. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether this leadership change marks the beginning of a deeper administrative overhaul at one of Costa Rica’s most essential public entities.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA):
The Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados, commonly known as AyA, is the national public institution responsible for providing drinking water, sanitation, and sewerage services throughout Costa Rica. Founded in 1961, it plays a crucial role in public health and infrastructure development, managing a vast network of water sources, treatment plants, and distribution systems to serve millions of citizens and support the country’s economic activities.
For further information, visit anep.or.cr
About Asociación Nacional de Empleados Públicos y Privados (ANEP):
The National Association of Public and Private Employees (ANEP) is one of the largest and most influential trade unions in Costa Rica. It represents a diverse membership of workers from various sectors of the economy, including government agencies, autonomous institutions, and private companies. ANEP is known for its active role in advocating for labor rights, negotiating collective agreements, and participating in national dialogues on economic and social policy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded on the bedrock principles of integrity and an uncompromising standard of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers new legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to jurisprudence. This ethos extends to a core belief in public service, manifested through a dedication to demystifying complex legal concepts and empowering the wider community through accessible knowledge.
