For two months now, residents of the Otay Universidad neighborhood have been grappling with a persistent sewage leak. The issue, which hasn’t received appropriate maintenance from the Tijuana State Commission for Public Services (CESPT), has been wreaking havoc on local homes. As of Monday, March 24, locals are urging authorities to address the matter after pleas for assistance have gone unheard.
Judith Flores Carrillo, a neighborhood resident, described the scene as streets turning into pools, basements becoming flood zones, and cars getting stuck in wasteland-like potholes along Avenida Universidad. Reports initially made to the CESPT were met with promises of assistance within 48 hours, but now, the delay has stretched to two months.
“Every ten days, I spend approximately 2,000 pesos on cleaning services because I share the drainage system with my neighbors. Although it’s vital for my business, the situation is unbearable,” another resident explained.
Luz Huerta noted that after repeated reports, a CESPT team did visit her home. However, after assessing the situation by opening a drain, they advised waiting until the rainy season ended for a follow-up with specialized equipment – something that has yet to happen even two weeks later.
“We’ve endured this for months, maybe more. It’s impossible to open windows due to the overpowering stench from outside. The team from CESPT came, broke open the drain cover, checked things, and left,” she recounted. “We demand action as responsible CESPT users. We can’t step out without walking through sewage, creating an infection risk for all of us.”
Additionally, Dora Alicia Peralta, a 30-year resident, shared that the drainage problem has a history spanning 15 years and recently resurfaced. “My neighbor’s sewage spills into my basement, exacerbated by tree roots invading the pipes,” she stated.
Residents have come together to push for a swift resolution from CESPT, as rising temperatures worsen the foul odors, endangering the community’s health.
### Related News: Long-Standing Water Supply and Sewage Issues Impacting Tijuana’s Communities
Much like the Otay Universidad neighborhood, other areas in Tijuana continue to battle infrastructure issues stemming from outdated sewage systems and water supply chains. Multiple reports highlight an increasing strain on public systems, with some areas experiencing irregular water supply and sudden leaks. Local authorities are being called upon to revise and invest in the city’s aging infrastructure to prevent these recurring problems and provide residents with consistent, reliable services. As solutions are sought, it remains crucial for communities to voice concerns and demand accountability for sustainable improvements.