Panama Expat Forum

llseldon
Joined 2013
Posts: 3205

8 years ago

Costa del Este, Panama City

8 years ago

From the internet

Cracks In Costa Del Este Booming Paradise

Cracks appearing in homes and business centers in Costa Del Este, part of which was built on a 40 years old garbage dump are raising concerns among property owners and businesses
There are more than 1,000 houses, 57 buildings and 200 businesses in the area.

.One of the most affected reports La Prensa is Galerías Del Este, which houses 15 commercial premises including banks, pharmacies, fruit shops, supermarkets and restaurants.
One tenant said the cracks appeared nine months ago.
"The structure has been giving way little by little and, as I understand, a structural study has been done, but I am unaware if already have the results," one of the business owners told La Prensa.
The facade of the mall shows large cracks, which have raised concerns among some customers about whether the structure is safe, although there have been no incidents.
Panama City Director of Works and Buildings Gonzalo Barrios acknowledged that problems have also been recorded in houses and streets.
It was reported that six months ago an investigation began with the participation of civil defense agency Sinaproc, the Panama Fire Department and the Technological University of Panama.
Specialists have taken soil samples to see if that is the cause of the problem.
Urban planner Gerónimo Espitia said that the condition of the soil in which the structures sit could be the problem.
He recalled that part of the land on which the community is located was used as a garbage dump for 40 years.
Other areas are built on former mangrove swamps and reclaimed land.
In his view, the cracks and weakening of the structures have to do with the ability of the soil to expand or contract, depending on the temperature or weather conditions.
He pointed out that there are factors that may affect the structure, such as a poor drainage, heavy rains, dry soil or changes in the water table.
"There are a number of aspects that require in-depth analysis and that manifest two or three years after a building is constructed," he warned.

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.