INDH Files Protection Appeal Over Lack of Sewage System Impacting 6,500 Residents in San Bernardo

«We are not only talking about a lack of technical infrastructure but a structural health crisis that violates the human rights to health, psychological integrity, and living in an environment free from pollution for over 6,500 people. Among them are children, adolescents, and elderly individuals who must daily cope with sewage overflows,» Contreras stated.

According to observations made by the INDH, the main issue in the area is the lack of sanitary infrastructure, the collapse of septic tanks, and the poor functioning of treatment plants.

This problem has persisted for decades, also affecting the Lo Herrera Primary Health Care Center (CECOSF) and facilities like the Rayén daycare and Las Nieves primary school.

In light of health risks such as the spread of diseases, the regional head of the INDH reported that «through this appeal, we aim for the court to order urgent and effective coordination between the San Bernardo Municipality, the Regional Government, the Health Ministry, and the Superintendence of Sanitary Services.»

«The lack of funding or administrative inaction cannot serve as excuses for delaying a basic and dignified solution for thousands of families who feel abandoned by the state,» added Beatriz Contreras.

The INDH’s appeal also requests that the court instruct medium-term measures, such as establishing a Technical Working Committee that includes the Municipality, the Government, the Ministries of Public Works and Social Development, and the local sanitation company, in order to set a timeline for securing the funding required for constructing the sewage system, estimated to be between 18 to 23 billion pesos.