Emcali’s public lighting modernization in Cali faces suspension amid investigations and calls for process restart

The Colombian public utility company Emcali is under heightened scrutiny after the Procuraduría General de la Nación identified critical shortcomings in the ongoing procurement process for modernizing Cali’s public lighting system. On December 5, 2025, procurator delegate Marcio Melgosa issued a formal request demanding Emcali provide additional information within three business days, citing incomplete responses to previous inquiries. The Procuraduría recommended restarting the entire selection process, citing breaches of constitutional principles, internal regulations, and procedural transparency. The criticized contract entails a $450 billion COP investment to modernize 100% of the metropolitan area’s street lighting, adding approximately 4,000 new luminaires, as part of Cali’s District Development Plan.

The controversy arises from alleged irregularities in the procurement phase, including incomplete technical studies—specifically the missing Master Lighting Plan—and failure to meet legal publicity and evaluation standards. Since the opening of the tender, Emcali has sought non-binding proposals from companies experienced in large-scale lighting projects, expecting participation in consortiums. Despite submitting a 14-page response attempting to clarify issues raised by the control entity, Emcali’s explanations were considered insufficient. Consequently, the company has suspended execution of the second phase of the project pending alignment with the Procuraduría’s observations.

Parallel investigations encompass the 2023 signed contract and the current procurement process, probing alleged contract steering, budget inconsistencies, and omission of mandated documentation. Eight senior officials, including General Manager Roger Mina, face disciplinary and criminal inquiries for potential misconduct, such as abuse of authority, irregular contracting, and conflicts of interest.

Public service oversight groups emphasize that while regulatory scrutiny is essential, the procedural halt risks undermining recent progress. Since the incumbent management took office, approximately 30% of Cali’s lighting infrastructure has been modernized, including installation of 55,000 LED luminaires, a significant improvement compared to two decades of neglect. Veedores (citizen watchdogs) urged clear guidance from the Procuraduría to prevent disruption of ongoing maintenance and upgrade efforts that impact urban security and citizen safety.

The case underscores broader concerns in Colombia over governance, transparency, and protection of public assets in large municipal infrastructure projects. Emcali maintains it will comply with required adjustments before reactivating contract phases. Market observers note the outcome may influence tender practices and investment confidence in public utility modernization throughout the region.