Water usage for carnival revelers condemned

THE DECISION of The Ministry of the Environment to allow the extraction of water from 22 points in 16 watersheds for culecos (water tanks that spray water onto revelers)  during carnival has been called irresponsible.

Local authorities of Herrera and Los Santos, as well as producers and community leaders, have the decision “irresponsible” because of the drought plaguing the country reports La Prensa.

The ministry has argued that it has authorized the extraction of water only in places that are close to coastal areas, and the water being used would go out to sea if it is not  used. It said that it will not allow any water to be used that would otherwise be used by communities or farms.

Bredio Cedeño, mayor of Guararé, Los Santos, said that all the water is needed by the area.

“We are one of the most affected areas of Azuero. Our rivers are already dried up and we need other tributaries,” he said.

Erika Gutiérrez, a community leader from Sabana Grande, Los Santos, aatcked  the fact that the government has not suspended carnival events.

“It is irresponsible to waste these resources,” he said.

Álvaro Maure, a leader from Chitré, Herrera, doubted the La Villa River has the capacity for the extraction of water for carnival.

“I don’t know why they are authorizing the use of this tributary that is drying out,” he said.

Maure stressed that the local authorities should have been involved in the decision because they better understand the situation.

Environmental organizations have also called on more stringent controls on water usage.