The Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) has begun work to remove temporary wastewater pumps installed in the La Puntilla sector, in the urban center of Arecibo, after nine years of complaints about noise, foul odors and safety problems. Rep. Edgar Robles Rivera (District 14) said the work started following a legislative investigation into why the facilities stayed in place.
The pumps were installed in 2017 as a temporary fix for damage to the sanitary system caused by Hurricane María. The probe was carried out under House Resolution 668, authored by Robles Rivera, and included an on-site inspection on October 9, 2026. Investigators examined AAA-reported expenditures of $18.7 million, compared with an initial estimate of $1 million, a difference of $17.7 million.
The AAA had set November 27, 2026 as the target date to complete an operational phase that would allow the pumps to be shut off. Robles Rivera said he will keep overseeing the work until the facilities are fully eliminated and the area is recovered for residents, merchants and visitors. He thanked Rep. Jerry Z. Nieves Rosario for leading the investigative work and AAA Executive Director Luis González for addressing the complaints and following up on commitments.
He also acknowledged the collaboration of Sen. Héctor "Gaby" González López, who represents the Arecibo district. Robles Rivera said the final goal is for La Puntilla to be completely recovered.