Pueblo Nuevo Residents Demand Solutions for Prolonged Water Cuts from Idaan
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Residents of Pueblo Nuevo in Panama are experiencing prolonged and worsening water supply cuts, with some waiting until early morning for service restoration.
- Local authorities and residents met to discuss the escalating problem and plan to present their concerns to the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan).
- The issue, affecting multiple sectors for years, is exacerbated by ongoing construction projects, prompting calls for concrete solutions from Idaan.
Residents of Pueblo Nuevo are voicing deep concern over persistent and increasingly severe water supply interruptions. Many communities within the area report waiting until the early hours of the morning to regain service, a situation that has worsened significantly in recent months.
Local representatives and residents convened recently to consolidate their grievances and outline a strategy to formally present their concerns to the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (Idaan). Luis Pรฉrez, the representative for the Pueblo Nuevo district, highlighted that the water shortage has plagued the community for years, with an expanding number of sectors now affected. "We have people who go without water for days, others for hours. The problem is growing. It is unheard of for this to happen in the capital district," Pรฉrez stated.
We have people who go without water for days, others for hours. The problem is growing. It is unheard of for this to happen in the capital district.
During the meeting, one resident shared how even buildings with reserve tanks are struggling to cope with the extended outages. Previously, water was cut off in the morning and returned by late afternoon. Now, service is not restored until the early morning hours. "They cut the water between eight and nine in the morning. Before it returned around six in the evening, but now we have to wait until dawn," the resident explained, emphasizing the disruption to daily life and the essential nature of potable water.
Following the community meeting, local authorities announced they would compile a report detailing the residents' primary complaints. This report will be submitted to Idaan, urging the agency to implement measures that ensure a continuous water service. While residents acknowledge ongoing construction projects nearby and previous statements from Idaan regarding such issues, they are demanding a clear explanation of the causes behind the interruptions and a concrete plan for resolution. TVN Noticias remains open to receiving Idaan's response to these allegations.
They cut the water between eight and nine in the morning. Before it returned around six in the evening, but now we have to wait until dawn.
Originally published by TVN Panamรก in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.