Governor announces changes at PRASA, emergency order for water supply in Bayamón, Guaynabo

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón during a visit to the Enrique Ortega (La Plata) filtration plant in Toa Alta on Aug. 5. The governor announced Monday that there will be changes in senior positions at the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority and that she will sign an emergency executive order to address water shortages in Bayamón and Guaynabo.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced Monday that there will be changes in senior positions at the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) and that she will sign an emergency executive order to address water shortages in Bayamón and Guaynabo.

She denied that privatizing the corporation is being considered.

“Names have been presented to me, and we do not rule out submitting more,” the governor said at a press conference. “The director of the San Juan region changed over the weekend, and other appointments will follow, in accordance with the recommendations of engineer Carlos Pesquera.”

“I will issue an emergency executive order for the Bayamón and Guaynabo areas,” she added. “The filtration plant has become too small for demand; we will replace 2- to 6-inch pipes and replace concrete with steel. The initial investment exceeds $10 million.”

The governor noted that the pressure problems in Santurce have been going on for years and that the main break in Cupey dates back to November 2024. She said her office and mayors from the mountain region will discuss measures for Naranjito, Corozal, Orocovis and Vega Alta, while PRASA implements operational and public policy changes.

Asked about the stability of the corporation’s executive president, Luis Reinaldo González Delgado, González Colón said he has her confidence, but insisted on further management adjustments.

“It’s not about change for the sake of change; it’s about changing the government,” she said. “We’re looking for skilled personnel.”

Regarding privatization talk, the governor was categorical: “That’s off the agenda,” she said.

The governor added that there is “$4 billion” in federally funded projects pending permitting and environmental studies, and that, since bond issues cannot be used, the purpose of the emergency declaration is to identify state resources for immediate projects.

“We have communities without water or with low water pressure,” she said. “We will divide the press into visits so they can see the actual condition of the plants and infrastructure.”