By The Star Staff
Mayagüez interim Mayor Jorge Ramos Ruiz signed an executive order Thursday declaring a state of emergency in the western coastal city due to drinking water supply problems.
In addition, he asked Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia to provide immediate attention to the critical state of Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) infrastructure in the western region.
“The residents of our town, like other municipalities in the western region of the country, have been experiencing constant interruptions due to breakdowns in the PRASA system, so we have had to take measures to address the crisis and provide the precious liquid to our residents through tanker trucks located in different sectors of Mayagüez for several days now,” Ramos Ruiz said in a written statement.
Since Dec. 31, PRASA has been reporting a breakdown of the pumping system located in the Río Grande de Añasco, affecting the residents of Mayagüez as well as hospitals, shelters and businesses in the city.
“Since this morning, we have reactivated the oases [temporary water supply stations] in all the Mayagüez communities, especially those in our town’s highest and most critical areas, so we invite residents to pay attention to continuous notices through social networks of the Municipality of Mayagüez,” the interim mayor pointed out.