The purpose of the dam is flood control, electricity production, and drinking water supply for the city of Cali.

The reservoir is 26 kilometres (16 mi) long and lies at a normal elevation of 1,155 metres (3,789 ft) above sea level.

An intake tower conducts the water towards three 90 megawatts (120,000 hp) Francis turbines which combine for a 270 MW installed capacity.

According to the Tribunal Permanente de los Pueblos, the Colombian military and illegal paramilitary forces were used in order to displace the population.

A lawyer who accompanied the protestors, Oscar Elías López, was shot dead in a café in Cali.