Residents of Panama’s San Miguelito District are pleading for a permanent solution to a severe garbage collection crisis. Mountains of uncollected waste are blocking streets and posing a significant public health threat. The Urban and Household Sanitation Authority (AAUD) has launched a special cleanup operation, but officials warn underlying contract disputes must be resolved.
The crisis impacts multiple communities, with some roads completely obstructed by trash. This impedes traffic and creates hazardous conditions near schools. Residents report the problem is exacerbated by outsiders who illegally dump garbage in the district, overwhelming local capacity.
AAUD Administrator Ovil Moreno confirmed the intensive cleanup effort will continue through January 19. Crews are working extended hours across all nine districts. Moreno stated the operation removed 252.7 tons of waste in just half a day after a late start. Authorities admit they cannot reach every critical site due to the sheer volume of accumulated debris.
“The first thing she tells me, I say, look, we do not have the resources to tackle San Miguelito separately. Why? Because I lack the resources to finish tackling all of Panama. I offer collection, transport, and final disposal of all San Miguelito’s waste, but we have to discuss the collection of the sanitation fee. How are we going to do it?” [Translated from Spanish]
Moreno explained the crisis is linked to the district’s expiring contract with the company Revisalud, which ends January 18. The AAUD offered support months earlier, but the terms for assuming service, including fee collection, were not viable. The agency stated taking over without a payment mechanism would mean working for free.
Systemic Failures in Urban Solid Waste Management
This situation highlights broader challenges in Urban solid waste management for the densely populated area. The San Miguelito District has struggled with consistent service. Residents now fear the cleanup provides only temporary relief without systemic change.
Many citizens agree enforcement and surveillance are necessary to prevent illegal dumping. They note cleaned areas often return to a state of disarray within hours. This cycle points to a need for combined institutional and community action.
The accumulating waste generates immediate concern for Public health, especially during Panama’s rainy season. Stagnant water mixed with refuse becomes a breeding ground for disease vectors. The visual and olfactory pollution also severely degrades quality of life.
Local officials face pressure to secure a new service contract before the AAUD operation concludes. The coming days will test whether emergency measures can transition to a sustainable, long-term solution for the district’s sanitation needs.