Puno residents demand resumption of drainage works in Chejoña

Residents of the Chejoña neighborhood in Puno are demanding the resumption of drainage canal construction near the Panamericana Sur highway to prevent flooding during the rainy season. Local resident Constantino Quille Calisaya reported that work was suspended on July 13 following opposition from a neighbor.

Community members claim the existing infrastructure, which utilizes a six-inch pipe, is insufficient to handle water runoff from higher elevations. Quille stated that residents have submitted more than 50 formal requests since 2000 and 2012 to address the issue, but have not received a definitive response from the Municipality of Puno.

Concerns have also been raised regarding the legality of certain structures in the area, with claims that a resident has built on protected land in violation of a 2007 municipal ordinance. Residents are calling on Mayor Javier Ponce to intervene, ensure the continuity of maintenance works, and provide a permanent solution to the recurring flooding.