Water shortages trigger protests and road blockades in Mexico

Residents in different regions of Mexico have staged protests to demand solutions for persistent water shortages.

In San Mateo Ixtacalco, Cuautitlán, community members blocked the Tepoztlán toll booth to draw attention to the lack of potable water and alleged abuses of authority. Protesters allowed motorists to pass without payment as a pressure tactic to gain visibility for their demands.

In El Mante, Tamaulipas, inhabitants of El Abra and Ojo de Agua blocked the Mante-Valles highway (Federal Highway 85). The demonstrators claimed that local government measures have failed to resolve a three-month water crisis and accused the municipality of failing to deploy available water tankers. Following a dialogue with municipal officials, the blockade was lifted. The local government proposed a provisional solution involving alternating water supply from the Quintero well between communities while work continues on drilling a new well.