Neighbors of Otay Universidad Complain About Two-Month Sewage Leak Without Attention
Residents of the Otay Universidad neighborhood have been grappling with a sewage overflow issue for the past two months, significantly impacting their homes. On March 24, locals voiced their frustration over the lack of action from the Tijuana State Commission of Public Services, to which they have continuously reached out for assistance without success.
The neighborhood is experiencing overflowing manholes that resemble “jacuzzis,” flooded basements, and potholes that cause vehicles to get stuck, according to Judith Flores Carrillo. She highlighted that the lack of maintenance on Avenida Universidad is at the core of these problems.
From the beginning, the issue has been reported to the relevant public service agency, which assured a 48-hour response time. However, those 48 hours have stretched into two months of inaction. “I refuse to let my drainage back up. Every ten days, I spend around 2,000 pesos on cleaning since the drainage is shared with my neighbors. It’s a business, sure, but they aren’t to blame for the issue,” she explained.
Luz Huerta mentioned that after two months of complaints, a unit from the State Commission visited her home. Despite opening the manhole, they stated they would return with specialized equipment after the rainy season, but it has been over two weeks with no update.
“We’ve been dealing with this issue for about two months, probably longer. The stench has become unbearable inside our homes because we can’t open the windows without the sewer smell wafting in. The Commission came, broke the manhole cover, inspected it, and that’s it,” Luz said.
She further added, “We are demanding our rights as responsible users of the public service that this situation gets resolved. We can’t even step outside without encountering the sewage, which is a health hazard for all of us living here.”
Dora Alicia Peralta, who has lived in the neighborhood for approximately 30 years, shared that this problem has been occurring intermittently over the last 15 years, but it has worsened recently. “My neighbor and I face issues because her sewage leaks into my basement. The palm tree roots invade the pipes and may be worsening the sewage leaks,” she said.
In response, residents have come together to demand immediate action from the Tijuana State Commission of Public Services to resolve the issue, especially with warmer weather amplifying the foul odors, posing further health risks.
**Related News**
Secondary Sewage Problem Emerges in Rosarito
Residents of the Rosarito Beach area are expressing similar concerns as those in Otay Universidad, facing an uptick in sewage system malfunctions. Reports indicate prolonged delays in addressing broken sewer lines and inadequate infrastructure upgrades, which have led to recurring overflow issues.
Local advocacy groups are urging the authorities for urgent intervention. “The longer this problem persists, the greater the health implications, particularly with the upcoming tourist season,” stated a community leader. Calls for better planning and maintenance are growing louder as communities strive for safer, cleaner living conditions.
The municipal government has promised that a task force will be deployed to identify problem areas and work toward immediate rectifications to mitigate health risks.