IDAAN Admits It Can't Solve Water Crisis - Without Divine Intervention

(Panama-Guide) - Panama America -  The solution to the water crisis is not in the hands of the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN), but rather appears to depend on divine intervention. "Only God can change this situation to our favor," said Rodrigo Barragan, the National Director of Water Treatment Plants of the entity. He said turbidity levels in Lake Alajuela are declining, but "we are in the hands of nature." He said that when Lake Alajuela experiences its natural levels of sedimentation and the amount of rainfall above the lake reduces, then the plant can take over.

He said the IDAAN has established as a priority the Chilibre Water Treatment Plant within the operating budget in order to provide more staff, electromechanical equipment, to improve it's appearance and repair, to be prepared in similar situations. He said it is likely they would request a special appropriation to address this situation, but he did not specify

Increased cases of diarrhea - Jorge Hassan, the Director of the Metropolitan Health Region, said that in December 2009 there were 135 cases of diarrhea, while in the same month of 2010, there were 275. He noted that there have been no reports of people hospitalized, but recommended that the water should be boiled until the IDAAN says the water is fit for human consumption. The community is awaiting the pronouncement of IDAAN, which announced a lack of water supply in several sectors.

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Original Source: Panama-Guide

Date Retrieved: January 6, 2011.