Water Supply Crisis in Chitré to Continue During Carnival

This process will last approximately three days, and upon completion, the disinfection of the second sector will begin, which includes the rest of Chitré, Llano Bonito, the rest of Monagrillo, San Juan Bautista, and the city center. A date has not yet been announced. Currently, in Chitré and part of Los Santos, the water is not suitable for human consumption, so alternative supply measures remain active. This includes more than 45 tanks at fixed posts throughout the district. In this scenario, Ibarra indicated, the water supply tanks will need to remain operational during the carnival days, as the system will not yet be in normal condition. However, authorities are evaluating alternatives for the tanks located in areas where traditional 'mojadera' activities are held, such as Parque Centenario in Chitré and the Plaza de Monagrillo. Although the crisis in the potable water supply in the Chitré district is expected to be nearing its end, authorities have confirmed that there is still no exact date for the full restoration of the service. In these cases, the relocation of tanks to other strategic points, as well as an increase in the frequency of water trucks, is being considered, with the aim of ensuring supply for both the resident population and the thousands of visitors who come to the region during the festivities. The regional director of IDAAN, Yaurus Ibarra, stated that this Monday, the process of disinfecting the pipes and distribution network began in the first sector of the Chitré district, which covers a wide area including the Circunvalación highway and all its adjacent areas, the corregimiento of La Arena, and some sectors of Monagrillo. While it has been indicated that this could occur during the month of February, the situation coincides with the celebration of the 2026 Carnival, which maintains concern among residents and visitors, given the large influx of people who visit this region of the country.