No Authority is Taking Responsibility: The Destruction of the Tocumen River Continues!

Residents of Tocumen, specifically from the Dos Ríos neighborhood, report that dredging and destruction of the riverbed with heavy machinery continues, without anyone explaining these works, which are also affecting their homes.  This week, photos and videos showed trucks and backhoes entering the area at the end of Calle J. The machinery directly impacted the Tocumen River, dredging not only the riverbed but also the banks, as seen in videos recorded by residents of the area.  When questioned by residents, one of the heavy equipment operators indicated they were there on behalf of Environmental Sanitation. “However, they didn’t show us any permits or official identification,” a resident said. 

The complainant added that these illegal works have not been consulted with the residents of the area, and have progressed to the point that “they have practically already built a road, and no authority has appeared to explain the destruction of the river.” The neighbor also added that the situation has already been reported to 311.   It had previously been reported that the company in charge of the Vento Azul project was allegedly responsible for bringing in machinery to dredge the riverbanks. Those who filed the complaints are concerned about the potential danger of flooding their homes during the rainy season. 

However, the company has distanced itself from these works. “Last Wednesday, the construction company was asked if they were responsible for bringing heavy machinery and equipment into the Dos Ríos area, to which they replied no,” explained a resident.  The community demands that an authority come forward and explain whether these works, which are destroying the Tocumen River and endangering the residents of the Dos Ríos Residential area, are legal.