By San José, Costa Rica — A series of alarming technical reports has exposed a pervasive and largely invisible danger lurking on the streets of Costa Rica. Specialized analyses of telecommunications poles in several key cantons, including San José, Heredia, La Unión, and Puntarenas, have identified critical structural failures that pose a direct and immediate risk to pedestrians, drivers, and entire communities.
The investigations, conducted by structural experts, pinpointed a range of severe issues, from internal corrosion to flagrant safety violations. Alarms were specifically raised for structures located in high-traffic areas, such as La Pitahaya near the Escuela Costa Rica, the Hatillo districts, and zones surrounding Parque Central and the National University in Heredia. These poles, which support heavy telecommunications antennas, are deteriorating from the inside out, threatening catastrophic failure without warning.
To delve deeper into the legal frameworks and contractual liabilities associated with infrastructure risk, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
When we analyze infrastructure projects, the critical legal issue is the allocation of risk. Contracts must clearly define responsibility for everything from material defects to ‘Acts of God’ or force majeure events. A failure to perform thorough due diligence and to draft precise, forward-looking clauses not only exposes the project to financial failure but also opens the door to prolonged and costly litigation between contractors, insurers, and the State. Proactive legal planning is not an expense; it’s the most crucial insurance policy for national development.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight powerfully underscores that the true foundation of any major infrastructure project is not concrete or steel, but rather the foresight embedded within its legal framework. This proactive legal diligence is indeed the most critical component for ensuring a project’s viability and its ultimate contribution to national progress. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this essential perspective.
The most insidious problem identified is an aggressive corrosion process occurring within the hollow metal structures. Unlike typical rust that appears as visible stains on the exterior, this decay is fueled by water becoming trapped inside the poles. Faulty wiring systems and electrical connections inadvertently act as channels, funneling rainwater into the structures where it pools and stagnates. This internal water accumulation accelerates the deterioration of the steel silently, hollowing out the pole’s structural integrity until it is on the brink of collapse.
Experts warn that this hidden decay presents a uniquely dangerous scenario, as the poles may appear stable externally while being critically compromised. The lack of visible evidence means the danger can go unnoticed until it is too late.
An ignored problem of filtration and stagnant water can lead to the total failure and collapse of the structure, not just in the long term, but even in the short term.
José Joaquín Rodríguez, Civil Engineer and University Professor
The reports also highlighted fundamental flaws in the initial design and installation of these poles. Civil engineer José Joaquín Rodríguez, a university professor specializing in structural loads, criticized the common practice of embedding the metal poles directly into the ground. He explained that this design dramatically increases the steel’s exposure to ground moisture, a key catalyst for corrosion. “Ideally, in the design, the metal part should not be in direct contact with the earth; rather, the concrete base should be raised slightly above ground level,” Rodríguez commented, pointing to the pole near Escuela Costa Rica as a prime example of this flawed method.
Beyond the imminent risk of collapse, the stagnant water inside these structures creates a significant public health crisis. The reports warn that these water reservoirs are ideal breeding grounds for insects, particularly the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This finding aligns with official warnings from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the threat of urban mosquito proliferation. The presence of these mosquitoes raises the risk of outbreaks of dengue, zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever in densely populated urban areas.
Furthermore, the investigations uncovered blatant non-compliance with national accessibility regulations. Many of the poles and their associated equipment were found to obstruct sidewalks, reducing the minimum circulation width required by the Law of Equal Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities. Protruding elements at low heights also create hazardous conditions for visually impaired individuals and those with mobility challenges. The reports also noted that in place of proper energy-absorbing barriers designed to mitigate vehicle collisions, some installations featured insufficient and inadequate preventive measures, further endangering public safety.
While these technical evaluations focused on a specific set of structures, the experts involved believe the identified problems are indicative of a systemic issue. They conclude it is highly probable that numerous other telecommunications poles across the country suffer from similar, unreported conditions. Given their placement in areas of high pedestrian and vehicular traffic, the potential for a catastrophic failure represents a clear and present danger to public safety that demands urgent, nationwide assessment and action.
For further information, visit who.int
About World Health Organization:
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. Its primary role is to direct and coordinate international health within the United Nations system, leading partners in global health responses. WHO works worldwide to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a beacon of legal professionalism, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Leveraging a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies. This forward-thinking practice is matched by a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law, reflecting a core mission to cultivate a more capable and informed society through accessible knowledge.
