Water Crisis in Chitré: Residents Suffer from Water Supply Disruptions

Reyes Pérez, a resident of the La Floresta sector, stated that the situation in his housing development is highly concerning, as they have not had a normal supply of drinking water for a long time. Residents of these areas expressed their dissatisfaction, not understanding why, despite the water treatment plant operating at full capacity, water does not reach their homes regularly. He explained that, despite having a reserve tank with a capacity of 25,000 gallons, water trucks do not come regularly to fill it. He indicated that the water shortage is not only due to recent disinfection work but also constantly arrives past midnight, causing reserve tanks installed in many homes to barely fill. After disinfection work at the Roberto Reina water treatment plant concluded last Monday, by mid-week several sectors of the Chitré district still remain without a drinking water supply. He added that those who cannot afford these tanks face greater difficulties in meeting their basic needs. The affected residents are asking the authorities of the National Aqueduct and Sewerage Institute (Idaan) for a clear explanation and concrete actions to normalize the water supply in all sectors of the district, as they claim the problem has lasted longer than expected. This situation has generated annoyance and concern among affected residents. Communities such as Villa Nita, La Floresta, Llano Bonito, Los Sauces, Soberanía, La Arena, as well as some sectors of Monagrillo and part of downtown Chitré, continue to be without water. In some cases, these communities receive the service with minimal pressure, which hinders the development of basic household activities. The lack of this vital liquid has forced many families to resort to wells, reserve tanks, and storing water in containers to cope with the situation, incurring extra expenses on their basic basket.