Panama faces housing deficit and water security crises

Panama faces significant challenges in reducing its housing deficit, which stands at 322,755 units according to the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. A primary obstacle is the lack of access to basic services such as potable water, electricity, and sanitation. These deficiencies are most acute in indigenous territories and provinces including Darién, Herrera, Los Santos, and Bocas del Toro.

Water security is also under threat due to water stress, pollution, and ecosystem degradation. During the National Meeting of Watershed Committees, Vice Minister of Environment Óscar Vallarino noted that the El Niño phenomenon is causing water stress, with extreme weather events impacting both the economy and public health. Increased turbidity in rivers due to erosion and deforestation poses a challenge for water treatment plants.

Furthermore, the collapse of 37 wastewater treatment plants threatens to release contaminated water into rivers used for drinking water. In the construction sector, Rosa María Espino of Aproviva noted that water crises, specifically the contamination of the La Villa and Estibaná rivers, have slowed home sales. While the expansion of the Roberto Reina Water Treatment Plant is expected to help, the project may take a year to complete.