NEW ORLEANS, LA – Mayor Helena Moreno announced Monday the appointment of Kamala Harris as the city’s new Sewerage & Water Board Czar, tasking her with identifying the “root causes” behind New Orleans’ long-troubled drainage system.
City officials said Harris was selected for her “deep experience in discussing complex issues at length,” a skill they believe will be invaluable as the Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans continues to struggle with flooding, pump failures, and public confidence. The role does not come with operational authority, a detail the mayor’s office described as “intentional.”
During a press conference held near a storm drain that was actively failing, Harris offered reassurance to residents. “When we think about water, we must also think about where the water has been, where the water is, and where the water is going,” Harris said. “And that journey of water is connected to our journey as a city, which is why understanding the path of this water is so important.”
Later, Harris expanded on her approach. “Drainage is about movement, and movement is about systems,” she explained. “And systems, when you really think about them, tell us not just what is happening, but why it feels the way it feels when it happens, and why that movement is critical in defining what will happen once we determine the reason for that movement.”
Officials clarified that Harris’ role is strictly advisory, meaning the sewerage and drainage problems will continue, potentially even get worse, but now that will happen with more context.
