52 days after the destruction of Hurricane Maria, residents of dozens of municipalities, like Guaynabo, Yauco and San Juan, criticize the inaction of the local government and their mayors, regarding the collection of trash and debris specifically in the “poor” neighborhoods.
A week ago the pick-up brigades were mobilized to several areas, but the citizens allege that mostly, they did the cleaning themselves in certain houses and streets.
Community leaders allege the municipalities could not finish the debris collection because the ‘diggers’ were either damaged or they did not have enough machines. Apparently they only have one machine on average in each municipality.
Residents have seen rodents all over and more fear that their houses will be taken over by rats and mosquitoes if trash and debris are not collected soon. The US Army will soon help by spraying the island against mosquitoes.
To make matters even worse, people see the piles of rubble around and come here to throw even more trash. said one resident of San Juan.
Also, The heavy rains recorded on Saturday afternoon made many areas remain under water as the pumps are not working.
Neighbors alleged that garbage and vegetation debris caused the flooding, as the storm drains are clogged with trash and natural debris.
