Carnival is imposed, despite water scarcity

The exodus this weekend occurs to various parts of the country for reasons of Carnival comes amid a water crisis that threatens to harm local communities for long periods.

The mobilization is given, despite warnings from farmers and other sectors of the Panamanian society about the water crisis.

Only the region of Azuero would be displacing more than 300,000 people, increasing demand for food and bottled water and other basic services.

This would generate an activation of more than 100,000 jobs, but will increase the risks to public health, which could end up costing millions of dollars to the state.

Despite this, programs and traditional events remain unchanged this year and continue with their implementation, seeking to ensure the mojaderas or culecos.

Government authorities have shown themselves in favor of this party, while some critics ask to see the problem with high beams and warn of further crisis.

Even Deputy Mayor of Panama, the environmental Raisa Banfield, said "the water crisis transcends the four days of Carnival and the problem goes beyond having water culecos".

The economic interest PTO and gives reasons to continue with its implementation.

According to preliminary figures, the holidays could generate 100,000 temporary indirect jobs in activities such as selling food, restrooms, vehicle safety, artists, selling buhonería and hotel accommodations in regions where it is dependent on these dates for a rebound financial.

In this regard, the President of the Republic, Juan Carlos Varela, said he respects the opinion of the people, and is a topic of local governments, as only behoove you to evaluate the water used does not affect public .

In this regard, the Institute of Aqueducts and Sewage Systems (Idaan) explained that during Carnival will be performing an operation of collection, testing tanks and water use.

In principle, the mayor of the district of Las Tablas, Noah Herrera, said the tanker trucks used for culecos, 9,000 gallons, would be filled at half capacity, however, had to withdraw and find a solution to the issue before the claims arising.

He even said he would not agree with that tank trucks in the province of Los Santos Herrera have to cross to fetch water, as this would bring chaos to the region vehicular.

Herrera has recognized that in Las Tablas is having a serious problem.

He explained that the rivers are at 25 % capacity and about 25 communities receive water from cisterns.

" A population of 25,000 to 30,000 people is supplied , and tap water only comes in the early morning , how you have to be when 150,000 to 200,000 people ? " He asked.

This situation shows that there is power to local authorities to monitor the realization of this event , as proposed by President Varela and a commercial interest would prevail .

"The activity occurs because we are not empowered by law to suspend a carnival ," said the mayor.

Tradition things

Carnival tradition has shown that few events can stop planning about a year doing thousands of Panamanians to travel within the country .

The country just remember when in 1990 , just last invasion , President Guillermo Endara 's suspended , and in 2000, when , during the health crisis caused by Hantavirus , Mireya Moscoso canceled in the Azuero Peninsula .

Hats, shirts , sleeping bags , sunglasses and light clothing are just some of the items carried by travelers for its time, whose colors and irreverent costumes characterize the festivities.

Some appeal to binge for entertainment, others choose to visit the families , so since the beginning of this week tends to increase the demand of users in the Albrook terminal and vegetables on the street.

Carnaval logra imponerse, pese a la escasez del agua