Panama Sports Minister Blames Contractor for High-Performance Center Flood Amidst Deficiencies

The recent flooding at the High-Performance Center (CAR) in Juan Díaz has brought to light serious concerns regarding the infrastructure's integrity and the accountability of those involved in its construction. Pandeportes Director Miguel Ordóñez has been vocal in pointing fingers at the contractor, emphasizing that the facility has not yet received its final delivery acceptance. This means, according to Ordóñez, that any issues arising are squarely the contractor's responsibility.

“

Cualquier situación que ocurra en este momento es responsabilidad del contratista

Ordóñez detailed a confluence of factors that led to the inundation, including the year's first heavy rainfall, clogged drainage systems due to sediment, high tide, and the CAR's unfortunate location in an area below sea level. The primary culprit identified was a blocked storm drain, which caused water to back up and flood the athletic track. This situation is particularly concerning given that the CAR recently hosted the IV South American Youth Games 2026, an event that brought together young athletes from across the continent.

While cleanup operations are underway, the focus remains on assessing the damage, particularly to the track's surface, which is not designed to withstand prolonged submersion. Ordóñez has indicated that the contractor will be liable for any necessary repairs. The director also raised questions about the adequacy of the drainage system's design and execution, noting that these aspects were approved under the previous administration. This suggests a potential for a protracted dispute between the state and the construction company to determine ultimate responsibility.

“

Si un proyecto depende de un solo cajón pluvial, eso es un problema

From our perspective at TVN Panamá, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous oversight in public works projects. While international media might focus on the disruption to athletic facilities, our primary concern is the responsible use of public funds and ensuring that infrastructure built for our nation's athletes is robust and reliable. The fact that the CAR is still under the contractor's responsibility, despite hosting a major international event, raises questions about the project management and handover processes. We trust that the ongoing evaluations will lead to necessary corrective actions before the rainy season intensifies, ensuring the CAR can serve its purpose without further incident.

“

Esto permite identificar fallas y tomar correctivos antes de que inicie plenamente la temporada lluviosa