BRIEFS: Interior

Problems plague sewage system

RAFAEL QUEZADA/LA PRENSA

smelly: Business owners and residents living near Antón’s public market bemoan the foul odors wafting up from the city’s sewer.1084567

Unpleasant odors are plaguing the public market in Antón, in the province of Coclé, as a result of blockages within the city’s sewage system, said sanitation engineer Rodrigo Gálvez.

Gálvez explained that the problems will persist unless the system is overhauled.

According to the engineer, the sewage system between Avenida Central and the public market is filled with broken pipes that can't handle the daily flow going through them. The problem gets even worse when it rains, as storm waters overload the system. Manhole covers that are supposed to prevent the rainwater from entering the system are often stolen by people who sell them for scrap.

Yet another problem is the large amount of grease that is dumped into the system. This material clogs the pipes, making the situation even worse.

Gálvez said that installing grease traps will provide part of the solution.