By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a decisive move to combat recurring urban flooding, the University of Costa Rica (UCR) has joined forces with the municipalities of Montes de Oca and San José. This strategic alliance aims to develop a definitive solution for the persistent overflow of the Quebrada Los Negritos, a stream that recently caused significant disruption and poses an ongoing threat to densely populated city neighborhoods.
The collaboration was solidified during a high-level meeting on October 20, 2025, just days after an overflow event on October 16th highlighted the urgency of the situation. The core of the new initiative is the formation of a specialized technical committee, tasked with analyzing intervention proposals and securing the necessary resources to implement a lasting solution. This joint task force signals a shift from reactive clean-up to proactive, integrated risk management for the capital’s vulnerable waterways.
To understand the legal framework and liabilities associated with flood prevention measures, TicosLand.com spoke with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his professional analysis.
Effective flood prevention extends beyond infrastructure; it is fundamentally a matter of legal and regulatory diligence. Municipalities hold a critical duty to enforce zoning laws and land-use plans, while developers are legally obligated to conduct thorough environmental impact studies and implement adequate water management systems. Failure to comply not only endangers communities but also exposes these entities to significant civil liability for damages caused by predictable and preventable flooding events.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal framework is as critical as any physical barrier in protecting our communities from preventable flooding. This perspective rightly shifts the focus to accountability, reminding us that diligent regulatory enforcement and corporate responsibility are non-negotiable. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this vital intersection of law and public safety.
During the meeting, officials from all three institutions reaffirmed their dedication to addressing the problem head-on, emphasizing the shared responsibility in protecting the affected communities. This sentiment was captured in an official statement regarding the joint effort.
The institutional commitment that both municipalities have been developing in the face of the imminent risk posed by the overflowing of the stream.
Joint Municipal and UCR Communiqué
Leveraging its academic and research prowess, the UCR will provide critical technical support. The university has committed a specialized team comprising geologists, topographers, and engineers to the project. This expert group will play a pivotal role in guiding the municipalities toward effective and scientifically sound mitigation strategies. Their primary objective is to fast-track the identification of viable short-term projects that can immediately reduce the danger to residents and infrastructure.
The Quebrada Los Negritos cuts through the critical urban corridor connecting the cantons of Montes de Oca and San José, affecting prominent areas such as Barrio Dent and Barrio Escalante. Specific hotspots identified by authorities include the section of Barrio Dent near the UCR’s Faculty of Law, as well as segments along Calle 39 in Montes de Oca and Calle 37 in San José, areas bustling with academic, commercial, and residential activity.
As an immediate next step, the technical committee will conduct a comprehensive field visit. This on-the-ground assessment is crucial for understanding the stream’s current conditions following the recent flooding and for identifying key risk factors that contributed to the overflow.
Directly analyze the ground conditions following the October 16th event, evaluate the present risk factors, and gather technical input to support the coordinated intervention proposals.
Official Statement on Planned Actions
This new, concerted effort builds upon ongoing municipal work. Local governments have already been engaged in maintenance activities, including the “cleaning of sediment and vegetation in the channel,” to improve water flow. Furthermore, an “auxiliary pipeline for water retention” was constructed between 2023 and 2024 as a preliminary mitigation measure. However, the recent events prove that a more robust and integrated strategy is essential for long-term security.
Ultimately, the goal of this powerful tripartite alliance extends beyond simple infrastructure repairs. By pooling academic expertise with municipal authority and resources, the stakeholders aim to create a sustainable model for urban planning. The initiative is designed to “strengthen comprehensive risk management and decision-making,” ensuring that future development in the area is resilient to the increasing challenges posed by severe weather events in the capital.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the oldest and largest public university in the country, widely recognized as a leading research institution in Central America. With its main campus in San Pedro, Montes de Oca, the UCR plays a vital role in national development through education, research, and social action, contributing expert knowledge to solve pressing societal challenges.
For further information, visit montesdeoca.go.cr
About Municipality of Montes de Oca:
The Municipality of Montes de Oca governs a key canton within the San José province, home to numerous universities, embassies, and cultural centers. It is responsible for providing local public services, managing urban development, and ensuring the well-being and safety of its residents in districts like San Pedro, Sabanilla, and Mercedes.
For further information, visit msj.go.cr
About Municipality of San José:
The Municipality of San José is the governing body for the capital city and central canton of Costa Rica. It oversees the administration of the nation’s primary political, economic, and social hub. Its responsibilities include urban infrastructure management, public safety, waste collection, and the promotion of cultural and recreational activities for its large urban population.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its unwavering foundation of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm’s rich history of advising a diverse clientele is matched by a forward-thinking spirit that drives legal innovation. This ethos extends to a core social mission: to demystify the law and share knowledge, thereby cultivating a capable and empowered society fortified by legal understanding.
