The Ituango project is an embankment dam currently in construction in the Cauca river in Antioquia, Colombia. It will supposedly generate 2,456 megawatts of  hydroelectric power. However the abomination El Niño, has delayed the projects due date.

Unfortunately, Hidroituango has also delayed family time for many of the engineers and members of the workforce. This project that had to begin operating on November of 2018, has been delayed approximately 2 years. This power plant will cover about 17% of the country’s demand for electricity for the next 15 years.  Currently there are about 12,000 people working in this project, many have to work from 7am to 6pm on underground tunnels that make hell feel like home. However that is not the worst thing they have to endure, because the worst hell for them is being separated from their families.

“I know the situation for all of the families of the workforce and the engineers is really tough, if I am correct, working shifts have been extended to compensate for the damages El Niño has caused. Additionally, everyone’s life is at stake, taking into account any geological faults that have not been identified could leave the dam in even worse conditions…”, said Samuel Buriticá, one of the Board Directors son.

The surprise flood this past weekend, flooded 600 homes, knocked down 2 bridges, a health center and a school. The initial investment of the project was of $5,500 million, and with all the damages the country will have to pay for even more.

“Colombia will certainly have and effect economically, socially and environmentally. Mining, fishing and agricultural activities will be affected in the zone, not to mention that hundreds of people will be displaced,” stated Pablo Garcia, one of the head engineer’s son.

To see how these projects impact the environment, the country and especially all the families, has risen a sense of unity amongst the Colombian inhabitants, that today come together to support all of those that continue working on the project.

“Personally I feel sorry for the situation, and my family has been extremely impacted. I feel my dad’s stress and it is hard for me to digest that he will have to be away from home for two more years. So much time lost because of a natural disaster. It has been tough for all of us…”, said Garcia.