It’s mating season for the yiguirros (Turdus grayi) and their melodious songs are getting stronger, which means that the beginning of the rainy season is upon us.

For the eight communities surrounding the Agujas river in the Garabito canton -including Quebrada Ganado, Cementerio, Puente, Quebrada Margarita, Las Castanas, Playa Bochinche, and Playa Agujas- the yiguirro songs used to be received with a bit of dread, since they used to announce the advent of floods from the nearby river.

Climate change and pollution of the Agujas river used to provoke massive flooding due to rising water levels during the rainy season. The National Committee on Emergencies (CNE) isolated the problem to an area consisting of 2,100 meters along the riverbank. The CNE appealed to the National Service of Aquifers, Irrigation and Dredging (SENARA in Spanish) to look into the situation and provide funding for a solution.

After a quick study, SENARA determined that several sectors of the economy were affected by the rising waters and ensuing floods; from fishing to agriculture and from tourism to real estate. The plan was to begin a immediate clean up of the river, paying particular attention to the areas where artificial dams were randomly created by large debris. Dredging, retaining walls and irrigation canals were also added to the plan.

After an investment of about $240,000, the SENARA announced completion of the major phases of the project in June of last year. Immediate relief was provided to about 50 families whose homes are located near the banks of the Agujas river. Major residential projects like Las Heliconias are now safe and construction is underway.

The Agujas river begins at a creek named Agujitas in the Garabito canton. It is an important tributary to the Great Tarcoles river as it surrounds the Carara Biological Reserve, one of the most important natural reserves in Costa Rica. Las Heliconias is located close to both the mouth of the Agujas river in the Pacific, the Carara Reserve, and Playa Agujas.

Floribeth Leon, a long time resident of Quebrada Ganado told CNE that the work of SENARA “means a lot to the community. Just looking at the clean river gives me inner peace, and now I know that I won’t get flooded during strong rains.”

Residents of the area can now enjoy the melodious yiguirro songs without worry.