More criticism directed at Sardinal water project
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
A watchdog agency, the Contraloría General de la República, has taken issue with some of the permits for water service granted for the controversial Sardinal-Playas del Coco water line. The permits were approved by the national water company, the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados,
The Contraloría said that the water company has already transmitted connection certifications for water services for 22 projects, including condos, villas, apartments and commercial centers.
The permits for water services are essential for obtaining permits to begin construction from the municipality, as well as approval from the national environmental organization, the Secretaria Tecnica National Ambiental.
Many environmentalists and students agree with the watchdog agency in that there is a danger that constructing new beach view condos and villas would take water away from residents in the town.
The Contraloría cited a study it had completed Nov. 12, which found that Acueductos y Alcantarillados had failed to complete sufficient studies on the viability of such a water line. Before Acueductos y Alcantarillados does so, these permits for water services should not be consider valid, the Contraloría said.
The water line is being financed by developers but being built by a private contractor under the authority of Acueductos y Alcantarillados. There have been protests in Sardinal and efforts to block construction. Some of the structures that would be serviced by the line already have been built and are standing vacant.