Shortage of drinking water in Santa Marta generates protests

On account of the shortage of water that is recorded in Santa Marta , a group of

demonstrators staged protests and blockades in various parts of the city .

It is estimated that in the Manzanares neighborhood and near the route Rodadero people

prevented vehicular traffic when installing old mattresses , tires and sticks. According to

protesters , the call is the operating company and the local government to solve the problem

measures are taken.

The shortage has forced residents to install water pumps in the pipe network to suck water.

According to the company Metroagua, after an inspection of several properties it was found

that some owners are installing water pumps up to two inches .

The company said that users who connect these devices to the network for water extraction

may be punished according to law.

"The installation of a pump to the pipeline network for obtaining potable water by drilling pipe

, violates Article 256 of the Penal Code , which deals with the disappointment of fluids," the

company said in a statement release.

According to a recent report by the Ombudsman, 60% of the inhabitants of the capital of the

department of Magdalena have no access to potable water. In that sense, the Mayor of the

city has taken steps such as sending tankers to affected areas and controls on water uses.

Juan Guillermo Martinez Mazo 10°A