Cinta Nortena Users Warn of Overgrowth, Missing Lights and Safety Risks
PANAMA CITY, August 1, 2026 – Residents and regular users of the Cinta Nortena in Ernesto Cordoba Campos, Panama Norte, say vegetation, missing lighting and lack of maintenance are making the area less safe for recreation.
TVN Noticias reported that tall grass has invaded parts of the pedestrian route, reducing visibility and making passage difficult in some sections. Users said benches and lighting that once supported the public space have disappeared over time.
The concern is especially acute for people who exercise early in the morning. One group of older adults reportedly uses the area around 5:30 a.m., when poor lighting and overgrowth can create additional risks.
Residents also told TVN they have seen snakes and other wildlife in the vegetation. Others said the overgrowth creates places where people can hide, increasing fear among users, especially women who exercise there.
The Cinta Nortena still has environmental and recreational value, with residents noting the presence of birds, rabbits and other species near the lake. Their request is not to erase that natural character, but to recover a usable, maintained public space.
Users said some sections between Villa Zaita and Santa Librada receive maintenance, while the stretch between Gonzalillo and Corredor de los Pobres remains neglected.
Why it matters
Public-space maintenance affects safety, recreation, older adults, environmental access and neighborhood quality of life.
What happens next
Residents are calling for authorities to clear vegetation, restore lighting and recover the neglected sections without damaging the area natural value.
