WATER CRISIS: rates unchanged since 1982

PANAMA’S water and sewer agency (Idaan ), urgently needs150 more staff members to effectively carry out the agency’s duties say officials of the entity.

Director Julia Elena Guardia said that the institution is passing through a “very critical” time since revenues are not sufficient to cover expenses.
President Juan Carlos Varela Recently Announced $100 million Increase in the agency’s budget allowing the main needs to be addressed immediately.
Guardia said that the money will be used to buy equipment: such as pumps for wells, the dredging of rivers, the purchase of chemicals and the hiring of staff.
The current rate for water, 80 cents per 1,000 gallons, has remained unchanged since 1982, making it impossible for the agency to meet its obligations.
Former director Juan Antonio Ducruet said the low price not only hurts revenue, but Increases consumption due to the irrational use of water by consumers.
“In the past five years, during the administration of Ricardo Martinelli, the necessary priority was not given to Idaan especially in the restructurings that it needed.”
The budget Allocated to Idaan this year is $270 million, $163 million of which is earmarked for operation. The rest ($107million) is for investment in infrastructure.