Residents of this community blocked the Pan-American Highway, which connects Oaxaca and Chiapas, for more than four hours to demand that the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) provide a solution to the constant power outages. The road closure caused long lines of stranded trucks and significant delays for motorists.
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The protesters reported experiencing daily power outages for more than a year, primarily between 9:00 p.m. and 4:00 or 5:00 a.m. They said the interruptions have damaged household appliances and worsened living conditions due to high temperatures and the presence of mosquitoes.
They stated that the situation mainly affects older adults, children, and people with chronic illnesses, despite the fact that electricity bills continue to arrive with high charges and are paid on time.
Paulino Toledo, a community representative, said residents are tired of the ongoing situation and demanded that the CFE respond directly to their concerns.
Some motorists expressed frustration over the delays caused by the blockade, while others supported the protesters, saying the demonstration reflected a legitimate complaint about poor electrical service.
Among those affected by the protest, Camila acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the road closure but urged the government to invest more in the community.
“Everyone has the right to electricity,” she said.
Meanwhile, Arturo Miranda, a tourist from Guatemala, said that during his 30 years of visiting Mexico, he has observed that “road blockades are part of everyday life in Oaxaca,” and argued that one right should not be demanded by infringing upon another.
A CFE employee, Feliciano Escobar, explained that the service interruptions are caused by the overhead power line being exposed to animals and other conditions that interfere with its operation. However, he declined to issue an official statement and said that the company’s appropriate department would release an official communication.
Shortly after 1:00 p.m., with the intervention of Municipal President Sheng-yu Chiu Meza, an agreement was signed in which the CFE committed to addressing the problem. Following the agreement, the protesters lifted the blockade, and traffic was allowed to resume.
Source: nvinoticias
