Sewage Scandal Rocks Guatemalan Community: Congressman Exposes Municipal Negligence

Hacienda Real Residents Face Sewage Contamination Due to Municipal Negligence Hacienda Real, Zone 16, Guatemala City – Residents of Hacienda Real are facing severe environmental contamination due to the illegal connection of sewage to a storm drain. Guatemalan Congressman Cristian Álvarez GT released a video exposing the issue, highlighting the failure of local authorities to address the problem. "Vecino, así es como trabaja la Municipalidad: sin planificación, sin diálogo y al servicio de unos pocos," Álvarez stated in his video, translating to, "Neighbor, this is how the Municipality works: without planning, without dialogue, and at the service of a few." Álvarez's video shows the contaminated storm drain and documents that EMPAGUA, the municipal water company, authorized a private company to connect sewage into a system intended only for rainwater. This action, according to Álvarez, directly resulted from a decision by EMPAGUA's General Manager. The video also includes images showing trucks from Covial, a Guatemalan construction company, working in the area, suggesting potential involvement in the project. The incident underscores the need for improved environmental regulations and greater transparency in municipal operations. The residents' concerns about the health and environmental consequences of the contamination remain central to the ongoing investigation.