All,
It seems that here in Boquete we have several different water districts. Because we have been having many water problems, we and several of our neighbors here in Jaramillo Centro have gotten involved in trying to understand and improve the water infrastructure. Because we are very new to this, it is very likely that some of our understanding is in error. Through individual efforts, we have found, funded and fixed several piping problems.
First, it seems that each water district is a separate and somewhat private entity. Okay, that means that they are not a government entity. It seems as if they are a non-entity. Meaning that they do not have any legal standing. The problem that this creates is that it is very difficult for a water district to obtain government or any other type of funding. This is a major issue for capital improvements.
It also seems that there is not any type of plan to provide water for growing communities. Because each district is independent, there appears to be only limited cooperation among them and no idea of long range planning.
Second, there does not seem to be any federal or local agency responsible for providing water to the citizens. The department of health and the department of agriculture have parallel but separate interest, emphasis on interest, in having water available but no RESPONSIBILITY for such.
This problem is not just one for ex-pats. All Boquete residents are affected by a lack of a consistent water supply. In fact, because many ex-pats have water tanks and most locals do not, the locals are more highly impacted.
Replies
Al, your story is in part correct in part incorrect.
The "private" cooperatives function under regulations of MINSA, the health department and do have a quasi governmental acceptance. MINSA is the legal authority and we have used them in the past to help.
They do not receive any governmental funds unless they can persuade someone to provide the funds.
The National Agency that is tasked with providing water for drinking in most of Panama is IDAAN. They are not in the Boquete District. Boquete has it's autonomy and when a few years back there was a threat of a national agency to administer all water in the country the people objected so much the bill was withdrawn from the Assembly.
It is the role of all residents to do what you are doing, become involved in their local water Junta. You and your peers can make the changes and do the planning. As you know since you were at the meeting yesterday we are doing what needs to be done.
Thanks Allen. Good information.