Mexican residents protest water and sewage infrastructure shortages

Residents in different regions of Mexico are protesting against inadequate water and sewage infrastructure. In Zinacantepec, neighbors in the Zimbrones community blocked traffic on Adolfo López Mateos Avenue to demand a permanent solution to a water shortage that has lasted approximately 18 months. Protesters are requesting the construction of a dedicated well by December, regular water supply through the hydraulic network at least three times a week, and maintenance to repair existing leaks.

In Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca, residents of the Alfareros and Residencial Santa María developments blocked a drainage connection. The protest is directed against the incorporation of 208 new homes from the ‘Vivienda para el Bienestar’ government program into the existing sewage system. Residents argue that the current treatment plant lacks the capacity to handle additional discharges and fear that connecting the new homes will cause system collapses and leaks. They are calling for technical evaluations by state and federal authorities to ensure new housing projects include their own independent basic services.