The residents of El Chante I opposed the connection of a new development to the well that supplies their community
Community of El Chante, gathered to demand their rights after the lack of water service. Photo: Héctor Ruiz.
Héctor Ruiz Mejía (Jocotepec).- Starting February 4th, residents of El Chante I unleashed a series of protests due to construction work on the network that supplies water to their subdivision. This pork was being done by the Government of Jocotepec,on Morelos Street to connect a new development called “Ribera Capital Living” to the water well that currently feeds the community. Residents complained that they currently have a shortage of water, with only a few hours of water a day.
The Municipal Police and the National Guard escorted the representatives of City Hall to talk with the protestors; however, they did not reach any agreement.
The demonstration resumed the following morning, when municipal police, prepared for riot operations, set up on Chueca Street «cutting cartridges and preparing for battle», according to neighbors.
«Suddenly the entire police department arrived, with shields and helmets, cutting cartridges, as if sending us a message,» commented one of the residents. A fact that the community described as excessive use of force, «they treated us as if we were criminals», they added.
The demonstration continued until Wednesday, February 9, when in the afternoon about 60 people gathered at the point between Chueca and Morelos streets, where the project is located.
Citizens could be heard chanting «the people united will never be defeated» and with their banners demanded respect for their right to access to water.
Municipal president José Miguel Gómez López summoned them to engage in dialogue at Campo David, an event hall located near the Jocotepec boardwalk. This, he explained,was to safeguard their integrity from the insults of the inhabitants. A meeting did not take place and demonstrators advised that City Hall did not consult with them.
They also recalled the controversy that arose in September of last year, when the municipal president promised to fix the now bumpy Cuauhtémoc Street after disagreements over the Lago Luna development, a promise that has not been fulfilled.
Through his social networks, Gómez López said that the community of El Chante will be left without a solution to the problem of lack of water supply they face due to the poor state of the water and sewage networks, since the «misinformation» incited them to demonstrate and slow the improvement and development works for them.
Translated by Christalle Dalsted
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