Government & Services

The Cuenca Cantonal Council is set to discuss an ordinance on September 24, 2026, aimed at prohibiting and sanctioning the activity of "vigilantes seguros." This proposal addresses citizen complaints about unauthorized charges for parking assistance.

A local collective has requested an audit of Cuenca's urban transport subsidy, which amounts to approximately $8 million annually. Additionally, an appeal will be filed against the rejection of a protection action challenging the increase in the municipal subsidy for each urban transport fare.

The Azuay Provincial Electoral Board has confirmed 86 mayoral candidacies across the province's 15 cantons for the 2027 sectional elections. In Cuenca, former mayors Marcelo Cabrera and Pedro Palacios are seeking to regain control of the city.

ETAPA says a scheduled and possible water suspension will affect Minas, lower Minas, and Tunas Loma in Paccha on September 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The interruption is linked to planned work on the network entering the Minas tank.

ETAPA says a temporary water interruption will affect six Cuenca locations on Tuesday, September 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The work involves new pipe connections at the Miguel Diaz Tank, and the utility has provided line 188 for questions.

The electricity dry season is expected to begin in September and run into March 2027. Cenace models a possible November shortfall of up to 450 megawatts if planned generation does not arrive on schedule.

Cuenca’s municipal conservation program is moving beyond the Tomebamba sub-basin into Yanuncay and Miguir. The work includes inspections, wastewater and solid-waste measures, and planned agreements with local activities.

For the first time in recent local history, women are leading both Cuenca’s municipality and the Azuay prefecture. The arrangement is tied to judicial and electoral changes, so expats should watch how long the current leadership structure lasts.

A proposed Cuenca tourism ordinance is ready for first debate after legal review and changes to national rules. It could update registration, licensing, and fees affecting temporary lodging, tourist transport, guiding, and Baños thermal-water use.