2301

A continuous legal easement in favor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is hereby constituted on all property outside the urban zone of any city or town abutting on highways, for the draining of waters flowing therefrom; Provided, That when there is need of making such drains on urban properties, the purchase or condemnation of the land necessary for the canalization of said waters shall be proceeded with; and Provided, likewise, That whenever damages are caused to a property on account of such drainage, such damages shall be paid for upon previous expert appraisal. Construction of buildings or works over a drainage of waters flowing from the highway existing on private lands shall not be allowed without permission of the Department.\nHistory —May 30, 1973, No. 54, p. 135, § 3-01, eff. 30 days after May 30, 1973.