Santa Marta Residents in Chiriquí Report Weeks Without Potable Water

Residents of Santa Marta in Panama's Chiriquí province are facing a severe and ongoing water crisis, with many reporting weeks without access to potable water. The persistent lack of this essential resource is significantly disrupting daily life in the community, impacting households, local businesses like restaurants, and vital public services including health centers and educational institutions.

The situation is particularly challenging during periods of intense rainfall, which affect water intake points, and during dry seasons when river levels drop, further reducing the system's capacity to supply water. Maritza Serrano, a resident, emphasized the critical nature of the problem, stating, "One cannot live without water. You can live with anything, but not without water."

Educational activities have also been severely affected. José Arcia, the director of the Santa Marta primary school, explained that the school has not received enough water to fill its reserve tanks for the past two days. This scarcity has forced a reduction in school hours, making it difficult to maintain necessary hygiene standards, especially in the restrooms. The problem extends beyond the school, as parents struggle with basic hygiene for their children and preparing meals at home.

Community members are hopeful that authorities will address the situation by improving the distribution system and the water treatment plant. Reports of necessary parts arriving for system repairs have raised expectations for a stable restoration of the water supply in Santa Marta. The community awaits decisive action to resolve this critical shortage.