Sewage system collapses leave communities in Venezuela's Lara state in critical condition

Residents in several towns within Venezuela's Urdaneta municipality are sounding the alarm over a critical health and road situation caused by the persistent collapse of sewage networks. This problem is exacerbated by the current rainy season, and affected communities claim they have not received adequate governmental attention.

The main failures are concentrated in two key areas: Calle Libertador in Moroturo and the main entrance to the town of Siquisique. Testimonies from residents indicate the situation has been deteriorating for years, worsening notably in the last five years, particularly with the onset of rains. Local inhabitants report that while the mayor's office has undertaken some interventions, these are deemed insufficient.

Approximately two years ago, machinery was deployed to the area, but the work progressed extremely slowly, addressing less than half of the technical requirements needed for a lasting solution. The temporary fixes implemented at that time have since disappeared, leaving the collapsed infrastructure exposed once again.

In Siquisique, the overflow of sewage directly impacts the entire population of about 5,000 people, as the affected point is on the town's main access road. This limits alternative routes, which are considerably farther away. In the Moroturo sector, the issue directly affects between 150 and 160 families living near the town's entrance.

Faced with this scenario, the affected communities are urgently appealing to the relevant authorities in Lara state for a comprehensive, high-impact engineering plan. They seek the rehabilitation of the sewage collectors to restore normalcy and public health to the residents of Urdaneta municipality.