Arecibo Sewer Repair Costs Escalate to $19.3M After Eight Years of Delays
The rehabilitation of Arecibo's sewer line, initially estimated at $1M for eight months, has ballooned to $19.3M over eight years. The prolonged timeline and cost increases highlight systemic issues in project management and infrastructure resilience amid climate risks.
Theia Market Signal Identification - AI Assisted
The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) has faced significant challenges in the rehabilitation of a sewer trunk line in Arecibo, with costs rising to $19.3 million from an initial estimate of $1 million. Originally allocated $5.5 million, the project has been ongoing since 2017 after the line collapsed due to Hurricane María.
The reconstruction is currently 98% complete, with projections for finalization between August and September 2026. Ongoing maintenance of a temporary bypass has cost over $6 million, raising concerns about environmental risks and public health.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers indicated that prior permit negotiations did not require relocating the sewer line, which raises questions about its long-term viability against future climate events.
Comments