Unmaintained lots and overgrown weeds worry Santiago residents

Residents of the Altos del Sol neighborhood in Santiago, Veraguas, are raising alarms about persistent issues with unmaintained lots and overgrown vegetation. For years, these neglected areas, along with obstructed drainage ditches, have caused significant flooding in the community.

Neighbors report that they diligently maintain the areas around their homes, but adjacent properties remain covered in dense weeds. Despite repeated requests to the developer's representative for cleaning, residents claim they have received no response. While some temporary debris removal occurred about a month ago, the lots have not been cleaned since.

"We have the problem of the ditch, which gets blocked all the way down there. Who does that belong to? All of this floods here in front," questioned one resident, highlighting the ongoing drainage issues. The overgrown vegetation also poses a threat, with residents reporting sightings of snakes near homes and expressing fear for their safety. Furthermore, the stagnant conditions are contributing to a rise in mosquitoes, exacerbating concerns about dengue fever.

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We have the problem of the ditch, which gets blocked all the way down there. Who does that belong to? All of this floods here in front.

The problem is not new, as residents state they have been requesting lot cleanups for several years. The unkempt state of these properties is perceived to be directly affecting the quality of life in the neighborhood. Residents living next to these overgrown lots feel particularly impacted. Concerns about security have also surfaced, as the dense vegetation could provide cover for individuals.

Even the neighborhood park has fallen into disrepair, with overgrown vegetation making it unusable for children. The residents are urgently calling for the necessary cleaning and maintenance to be carried out to resolve these ongoing issues and improve their living conditions.

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Here the snakes come to us.