Toa Baja residents raise alarm over landslide risk, accuse mayor of inaction
By THE STAR STAFF
Community leaders in the Campanillas sector of Toa Baja are sounding the alarm over what they describe as a growing and potentially dangerous landslide risk along Pedro Albizu Street, better known as El Caño, where residents fear they could be cut off from emergency access if the terrain continues to give way.
Daniel Torres Laureano, president of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) in Toa Baja, accused Mayor Bernardo “Betito” Márquez García of ignoring repeated calls from residents who have been requesting maintenance and an official inspection of the deteriorating roadway.
Torres Laureano said neighbors have been raising concerns for months, but no municipal officials have visited the area to evaluate the instability affecting the road.
“It is unacceptable for an entire community to live with the fear of becoming isolated while the municipality refuses to respond,” Torres Laureano said. “Mayor Bernardo ‘Betito’ Márquez has done nothing to address this situation and has not shown his face to the residents who deserve answers and action.”
He emphasized that preventive maintenance of public roads and early intervention in areas vulnerable to landslides should be a core municipal responsibility.
“We are talking about a road that could become impassable if the landslide continues,” Torres Laureano added. “What is the mayor waiting for? We cannot wait for an emergency to happen before reacting.”
Torres Laureano urged Márquez to order an immediate inspection of Pedro Albizu Street and develop a plan to stabilize the terrain and ensure safe access for residents.
“The people of El Caño are not asking for a favor,” he said. “They are demanding that the municipality fulfill its duty. Betito Márquez must stop ignoring this community and start acting.”
Residents say they remain worried that a single heavy rainfall could leave them stranded, and they hope the municipality will intervene before the situation worsens.
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