Residents of Tamulté de las Sabanas, in the municipality of Centro, Tabasco, blocked the Villahermosa-Frontera highway after demanding solutions to ongoing problems with the supply of drinking water and electricity.
The blockade was established at kilometer 26+900, where residents placed branches and tires on both sides of the highway and set some of the tires on fire. The protest disrupted the movement of both private vehicles and freight trucks.
The protesters are members of the Chontal Indigenous communities of the area, which includes Tamulté de las Sabanas and 13 surrounding communities. They said they are frustrated by the lack of sufficient drinking water for families, as well as frequent power outages and voltage fluctuations affecting the Yokot’an region.
The protesters are also demanding fulfillment of a previously announced commitment to construct an electrical substation that would help address the area’s persistent electricity problems.
Before the highway was blocked, some residents temporarily detained state and municipal officials who had arrived to establish dialogue with the community. The protesters argued that the proposals presented by authorities were insufficient and did not provide a concrete solution to their demands.
National Guard Deploys to the Area
Members of the National Guard were deployed near the highway junction to protect the federal road and attempt to mediate with the protesters.
Despite the presence of security personnel, the demonstration intensified because of the complaints about the poor electricity supply. Protesters said they would not reopen the highway unless Governor Javier May Rodríguez personally arrived to address their demands.
One resident questioned why the state had not been able to provide the infrastructure needed to resolve the problems with electricity and drinking water, arguing that Tabasco generates significant oil resources but that local communities continue to experience deficiencies in basic services.
Protesters Prepare to Stay Overnight
Because no formal agreement was reached with authorities, the protesters established a camp on the highway and announced their intention to remain there overnight.
They indicated that the blockade could continue indefinitely until they receive a response to their demands concerning drinking water, electricity, and the construction of the electrical substation.
The closure has created significant problems for motorists and transportation because the Villahermosa-Frontera highway is an important route connecting communities in the region.
As of the latest reports, authorities and protesters had not reached a formal agreement to reopen the highway.
Source: reforma
