Residents of Madre Vieja Norte demand a definitive solution to flooding and deficiencies in garbage collection
The residents of Juan Roche Street, in the Madre Vieja Norte sector of San Cristóbal, have raised their voices regarding the critical situation they face every time it rains. The community is demanding urgent intervention from the National Institute of Potable Water and Sewerage (INAPA) to resolve the constant flooding that affects their homes.
Juan Pablo Matías Vizcaíno, president of the local Neighborhood Association, stated that the problem has persisted for years. As he explained, it only takes a few minutes of rain for water to penetrate homes, causing the loss of appliances, food, and structural damage to the properties.
We have grown tired of asking the authorities. On several occasions, the director of INAPA, Wellington Arnaud, has come, but we have only received promises that never materialize, while families continue to lose their belongings and food every time it rains.
Juan Pablo Matías Vizcaíno, community leader.
Lack of storm and sanitary drainage
The community leader pointed out that Juan Roche Street has become a critical point where water converges due to the total absence of an efficient storm and sanitary drainage system. This lack of infrastructure prevents water from flowing correctly, leaving the community practically isolated during weather events.
- Families have chosen to place block barriers at their doors to try to stop the water from entering.
- Elderly people and citizens with health conditions face situations of extreme vulnerability with every downpour.
- The lack of an adequate outlet aggravates the accumulation of liquids in the area.
Additional crisis due to waste accumulation
In addition to infrastructure problems, there is irregularity in garbage collection. According to residents, the service has been poor for the last two weeks. Domingo Vargas, an affected resident, detailed that the collection truck has not met the established schedule, which worsens hygiene conditions following the floods.
“The truck didn’t come on Saturday or Tuesday. This accumulation of waste is being washed away by the water, further complicating the health situation on our streets,” explained Vargas. Given this scenario, community members are making an urgent call to national and municipal authorities to prioritize intervention in Madre Vieja Norte before future rains continue to wreak havoc on the well-being of San Cristóbal families.
