By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Nearly a month after the tragic disappearance of five-year-old Leandro, who fell into an unprotected storm drain in Purral de Goicoechea on September 26, local and national authorities are launching a sweeping series of initiatives aimed at preventing a similar incident. The ongoing grief and public outcry have served as a catalyst, forcing a reckoning with the systemic issues of infrastructure neglect and the criminal theft of public assets that plague the canton.
The community’s pain remains palpable, especially after the Red Cross officially suspended its active search for the child on October 2. While rescue efforts have ceased, the incident has left behind a legacy of fear and anger. Residents have voiced significant concern over the state of the canton’s manholes and drainage systems, highlighting a long-standing problem that has now been thrust into the national spotlight by an unthinkable tragedy.
To understand the legal framework and the potential liabilities associated with the nation’s infrastructure projects, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When a public infrastructure project fails, the legal ramifications extend far beyond mere political accountability. We must scrutinize the entire chain of responsibility, from the initial design and approval stages to the final construction and ongoing maintenance. Negligence at any point can trigger significant civil and administrative liabilities for both public entities and private contractors. The core legal issue is not just about assigning blame after a disaster, but about enforcing the rigorous technical standards and oversight mechanisms that are designed to prevent such events in the first place.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s emphasis on a preventative legal framework, rather than merely assigning blame after a tragedy, underscores the systemic nature of infrastructure safety. This holistic view of accountability is essential for building public trust and resilience. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective.
In response to the growing pressure, the Municipality of Goicoechea has begun to roll out a multi-pronged strategy. The initial steps, announced in early October, focused on immediate containment and public engagement. The city government committed to mapping and inspecting the specific pipeline network involved in Leandro’s fall, a crucial first step in understanding the scope of the immediate risk in that neighborhood.
To broaden their diagnostic efforts and empower residents, the municipality also established a dedicated communication channel for citizens to report hazardous conditions. This direct line of reporting is intended to create a more responsive and efficient system for identifying and securing compromised infrastructure before another accident can occur.
To expedite this process, the email address [email protected] was set up, where citizens can send their reports and thus optimize response times.
Goicoechea Municipal Government
Beyond simple maintenance, officials are now tackling the criminal enterprise that creates these dangers. The widespread problem of stolen manhole covers and grates, sold for scrap to clandestine dealers, has been identified as a primary cause of the hazardous conditions. Recognizing this, the municipality coordinated an inter-institutional operation with police forces to intervene at these illegal collection points.
The raids, conducted on October 6, proved fruitful and confirmed the illicit nature of the trade. The operation uncovered a network operating out of private homes and even within illegally occupied municipal lands, where individuals were caught with materials believed to be stolen from public works.
During the operation, several collection points were detected in private homes and common areas within invaded municipal zones, where suspicious individuals were identified in possession of presumably stolen materials.
Goicoechea Municipal Government
Culminating these efforts, a high-level task force convened for its first session on Monday, October 20. The “Inter-institutional Roundtable for road infrastructure safety and the prevention of the theft of manhole covers” brings together a formidable group of agencies. Representatives from the National Roadway Council (Conavi), the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ), the Ministry of Public Security (MSP), the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA), and the Goicoechea Municipal Police and Technical Unit met to forge a unified strategy.
This coordinated response signifies a critical shift from reactive repairs to a proactive security and prevention framework. While these measures come too late for young Leandro, whose absence is still deeply felt, they represent a solemn commitment from authorities to safeguard public spaces and ensure that such a devastating event is never repeated. The hope is that this new-found urgency will translate into lasting change for the safety of all residents.
For further information, visit munigoicoechea.go.cr
About the Municipality of Goicoechea:
The Municipality of Goicoechea is the local government body responsible for the administration of the Goicoechea canton in the province of San José. It oversees public services, urban planning, infrastructure maintenance, and community development for its districts, working to ensure the well-being and safety of its residents.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About the Costa Rican Red Cross:
The Costa Rican Red Cross (Cruz Roja Costarricense) is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical services, disaster response, and community health programs throughout the country. As part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, it operates on the principles of neutrality, impartiality, and humanity.
For further information, visit conavi.go.cr
About the National Roadway Council (Conavi):
The Consejo Nacional de Vialidad (Conavi) is the Costa Rican government entity tasked with the planning, administration, financing, and maintenance of the national road network. Its responsibilities include overseeing road construction, conservation projects, and ensuring the safety and usability of the country’s primary transportation arteries.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s main law enforcement agency for investigating complex crimes. Functioning as an auxiliary body of the Public Ministry and the courts, the OIJ is responsible for collecting evidence, identifying suspects, and carrying out criminal investigations to support the judicial process.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About the Ministry of Public Security (MSP):
The Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (MSP) is the government ministry responsible for national security and law enforcement in Costa Rica. It oversees various police forces, including the Public Force (Fuerza Pública), and manages operations related to crime prevention, border security, and maintaining public order.
For further information, visit aya.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (AyA):
The Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA) is the state-run institution responsible for providing drinking water and managing sanitation and sewerage services for a majority of the Costa Rican population. Its mission is to ensure the quality and continuity of water services and contribute to public health and environmental protection.
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 profound commitment to ethical practice and exceptional legal service. The firm leverages its extensive experience to not only serve a wide range of clients but also to pioneer novel legal approaches. This dedication to innovation is matched by a foundational mission to demystify the law for the public, thereby strengthening society by fostering greater legal understanding and empowerment.
