San Juan mayor pushes back after PRASA chief questions engineer’s role in water crisis response

Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Executive Luis González Delgado

By THE STAR STAFF

San Juan Mayor Miguel Romero Lugo on Wednesday criticized statements made a day earlier by Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) Executive Luis González Delgado regarding municipal engineer Roberto Martínez, only days after both parties reached an agreement to include Martínez in a newly created technical water committee.

Romero said he found it “difficult to understand” why González Delgado publicly raised concerns about Martínez’s past performance at PRASA after the municipality had already negotiated and signed a collaborative agreement to address the ongoing water service crisis affecting thousands of residents.

“For months I have been consistent in stating that the Municipality of San Juan has the knowledge and technical experience of engineer Roberto Martínez to help identify solutions to the water crisis,” Romero said.

He added that last week’s negotiations with PRASA concluded with a voluntary agreement that incorporated Martínez into the Committee for the Stabilization and Restoration of Water Service.

The mayor described the first meeting of the committee on Monday as a productive working session focused on identifying solutions and addressing citizen concerns. Romero emphasized that at no point during the negotiations, the signing of the agreement, or the initial committee meeting did PRASA officials raise the issues that González Delgado later aired publicly.

González Delgado made the remarks Tuesday when questioned by reporters about Martínez’s departure from PRASA and his new role as the municipality’s technical representative. When asked whether Martínez bore responsibility for the current situation, the PRASA chief responded, “Certainly. Because if he had at the time the capacity and the projection to do it [address water supply issues], why didn’t he do it?”

The head of PRASA also said Martínez had been removed from his position due to internal changes at the agency and referenced pending valve maintenance work. Still, González Delgado insisted he had no objection to working with Martínez under the new agreement.

“I worked with Roberto Martínez for a long time …,” he said. “I have no problem working with him or with anyone.”

Romero suggested that the PRASA chief’s comments risk undermining the collaborative effort needed to resolve the crisis.

“I sincerely hope these statements are not an attempt to discredit engineer Roberto Martínez or the efforts that, in good faith, both parties have agreed to pursue,” he said.

The mayor warned against creating a narrative that diminishes the credibility of those tasked with finding solutions.

“Instead of looking for excuses, we must unite efforts and find solutions,” he added.

Romero also criticized what he described as PRASA’s reliance on strategies that have failed to produce results over the past year. He insisted that San Juan residents deserve a transparent process grounded in facts and technical criteria.

“We will continue participating in good faith, vigilant in ensuring compliance with the agreements reached, and focused on one priority: that families receive the water service they deserve,” the mayor said.