Bayamón mayor: PRASA takes months to address an ‘emergency’

Bayamón Mayor Ramón Luis Rivera Cruz

By THE STAR STAFF

Bayamón Mayor Ramón Luis Rivera Cruz described on Tuesday how the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has handled -- specifically as an emergency -- the issue involving the impaired Finca Rosso pump station, which supplies water to sectors of Bayamón and Guaynabo.

The installation sustained major damage -- allegedly due to a voltage surge -- on Aug. 17, 2025, at 3:27 p.m.

“I remember it clearly, because I immediately called the governor,” Rivera Cruz said during a press conference. “And I mentioned to her that they would have to undertake this as an emergency project, because if they went through the traditional bidding process, we would be doomed. They did go the bidding route.”

“My only complaint is regarding their bidding process: the incident occurred in August, yet the contract wasn’t signed until November 18, and construction didn’t begin until December,” the mayor added. “Much of this equipment has to be custom-manufactured in the United States. That is my complaint -- the fact that this is supposedly an ‘emergency.’ When we handle an emergency in Bayamón -- when it truly is an emergency -- we are already at work within a week. That is fast. That is how it has to be.

“But now, at least we’ve made some headway -- as they used to say in my neighborhood. It is now expected that, sometime between July and August, the work will be completed.”

Rivera Cruz said PRASA Executive President Luis Reinaldo González Delgado contacted him to provide a status update on the ongoing work.

“He called me yesterday, and we spoke; I trust that what he told me yesterday is accurate -- namely, that they are keeping close tabs on the contractor, specifically pressuring them to finish the work. Two of the equipment units are currently on a ship and are en route; they are expected to arrive in a week. If they do arrive within a week, the third unit -- along with some additional parts -- is being flown in; they are bringing it by air. If all of that is in Puerto Rico within a week, they should be able to accelerate the schedule. And if the contractor works 24/7, as he told me yesterday, then they could potentially pull the completion date forward from August to July -- and perhaps even to the end of June. If they do that, they can pull it off.”

“Personally, I would have flown the equipment in; I wouldn’t have brought it by ship,” Rivera Cruz added. “If it’s an emergency -- and even if flying it costs me more -- then let it cost 10 or 15 percent extra. We’ll pay it, and I’ll have it flown in. As it stands, they are already coming by ship, so there’s no turning back now. However, I believe -- and I hope -- that this serves as a lesson for the next time a similar situation arises: instead of bringing supplies by ship, bring whatever is feasible by air -- obviously -- and ensure that any contractors hired are willing to work overtime.”

Rivera Cruz went on to say that despite the situation, it is not necessary to dismiss the public corporation’s chief executive; rather, certain aspects of the operation simply need to be improved.

“He is an engineer; he has spent many years working at the authority and possesses the institutional memory,” the mayor said. “He needs the assistance of two or three people, because he cannot do it alone. He requires the collaboration of individuals who also possess relevant knowledge and are willing to help [...]. If everyone works as a team and approaches the task with a cooperative spirit, issues will gradually resolve themselves.”

“I also have a word of caution -- for this is one of the points on which I, too, have criticized them: communicate!” Rivera Cruz added. “Communicate what is happening. Always tell the truth, for the truth sets people free. If you tell the truth to the public, they can mentally prepare themselves and make the necessary arrangements.”

Rivera Cruz noted further that, unlike the Municipality of San Juan, his claim against PRASA takes the form of a lawsuit seeking payment of some $1 million. He said he believes there is a realistic possibility that the public corporation will either pay the outstanding amount or issue a credit against his municipality’s utility bill.