PPD senators slam PRASA over service failures and lack of communication

Senators Marially González Huertas, Josean Santiago Rivera, Ada Álvarez Conde, and Popular Democratic Party Senate spokesperson Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz blamed PRASA for its lack of response and coordination during recent emergencies.

By The Star Staff

The spokesperson for the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) in the Senate, Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz, denounced on Monday the lack of communication between the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) and the mayors amid the ongoing water crisis affecting the metropolitan area and other municipalities across the island.

“For several days now, not only has the metropolitan area been without water, but many municipalities across the island are also experiencing service outages. No one knows the reasons, no one knows what’s going on,” said Hernández Ortiz in a press conference.

“Our experience speaking with different mayors is that there is no proper communication with them,” the spokesperson added.

The PDP Senate delegation blamed PRASA for the lack of response and coordination during recent emergencies, such as the breakdown at the Sergio Cuevas filtration plant, which disrupted water service in San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Carolina, and Canóvanas. They also cited incidents in Caguas, Hatillo, and at least a dozen other municipalities that have had sectors without water for days—or even months.

“Just this past weekend, we received reports from more than a dozen municipalities outside the metro area with different sectors lacking potable water service,” said Hernández Ortiz. The affected towns included Caguas, Ciales, Guayama, Humacao, Lares, Morovis, San Sebastián, Isabela, Barceloneta, Vega Baja, Hatillo, Cayey, and Corozal.

The delegation also questioned the replacement of experienced personnel within PRASA, such as the removal of engineer Roberto Martínez Toledo, and expressed concern about the apparent lack of preparedness of his successors. According to the senators, this has contributed to deteriorating service and a disconnect between PRASA and municipal needs.

Senator Marially González Huertas requested clarification on whether current water service issues stem from power failures or more significant infrastructure deterioration.

“It is essential to understand this in order to determine how the Puerto Rico Senate can contribute,” she said.

Meanwhile, senator Josean Santiago Rivera asked for details on the Capital Improvement Plan developed between PRASA and the Fiscal Oversight Board, including projects like the dredging of the Carraízo reservoir, the plan to reduce water loss, and the installation of smart meters.

Senator Ada Álvarez Conde demanded transparency and criticized the lack of precise information about already announced and contracted PRASA projects.

“We have submitted requests for information… and unfortunately, what we receive is only a trickle,” she stated.

Former Senate President José Luis Dalmau Santiago questioned the recurring water loss reported annually by PRASA.

“It is unsustainable that while thousands of families are without water, a significant percentage of the water produced is being lost,” he said. He called for explanations regarding the federally funded pipe replacement project and the effectiveness of the authority’s repair management.

Finally, the delegation gave PRASA’s executive president, engineer Luis González Delgado, five days to respond to their request. If not, they will present a resolution in the Senate demanding a public hearing.

“The people have already suffered enough from poor energy service. We cannot allow a similar situation with our water systems,” Hernández Ortiz concluded.