Mexico City is facing a growing problem with potholes, a situation that has been pointed out as a factor in serious accidents, such as the one that occurred on September 10th at the Puente de la Concordia in Iztapalapa, where a gas tanker overturned and left at least 30 dead. Social media users have partially blamed the capital’s government for failing to address road repairs in a timely manner.
In this context, social media has focused attention on Manuel Cantú, better known as El Potro, an influencer and social activist originally from Nuevo León, famous for traveling through municipalities in his state filling potholes and promoting road safety. With videos that have reached millions of views, Cantú has become a media figure recognized for his direct and practical approach to combating this problem.
El Potro responds to reports of potholes with his truck loaded with sacks of asphalt. Upon arriving at the site, he unloads the material, fills the holes, uses machinery to smooth the newly laid asphalt, and finally leaves his signature stamp: a stamped horseshoe, while saying in his unique style: “And let’s give it a go, come on, buddy, God bless you.” This act has generated admiration and enthusiasm among users, who celebrate his initiative and the virality of his actions.
After his work went viral in Nuevo León, Mexico City users have requested that Cantú extend his work to the nation’s capital, where potholes have multiplied. Comments on social media such as “Friend, come to Mexico City, please, we need your help,” “Potro, come to the capital, there are millions of potholes to fill,” and “Compadre, consider coming to Mexico City, give us a hand” reflect the urgency felt by residents regarding the road problem.
The citizens’ petition not only highlights the seriousness of potholes in Mexico City, but also the positive impact an influencer can generate by combining social activism and media presence. Users hope that Cantú’s work will not be limited to Nuevo León and will become a replicable example in other states, demonstrating that community actions can have immediate repercussions on safety and quality of life.
While El Potro’s arrival in Mexico City will depend on its schedule and logistics, media attention and user pressure have placed the issue of urban potholes on the public agenda, reminding authorities of the need to address road infrastructure. So far, the citizens’ proposal demonstrates that citizen activism and virality on social media can serve as catalysts to demand concrete and visible solutions in the city.
Source: infobae
