Mexico City Residents Block Main Highway Over Water Shortage

Residents of the Xochimilco municipality in Mexico held a protest, blocking one of the country's main transport arteries. Protesters under the slogans 'Water is a right' and 'We want water' blocked the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway at the Tlalpan toll plaza. This occurred during the Easter holiday period, when thousands of Mexicans head to the coast. The protest caused significant traffic disruptions and put pressure on authorities to resolve the water supply issue. The Mexican tourism sector projects revenue of 134.8 billion pesos for the Holy Week period. Protesters claim they feel excluded by authorities due to their indigenous background. Municipal authorities allegedly committed to supplying water via tanker trucks, however, they disappeared a week after the aid began. To date, residents report they are not receiving water through Mexico City's centralized water supply system. For residents of Mexico City, traditional holiday destinations during this time are Acapulco, Guerrero, and Cuernavaca, Morelos. Tourists to both destinations rely on the Mexico-Cuernavaca highway. The Federal Roads and Bridges Authority (CAPUFE) reported that the closure continues due to the presence of protesters, advising drivers to take precautions and consider alternative routes. National Guard and Civil Security Secretariat personnel arrived at the scene, but it is unclear if they will engage with Mexico City or Xochimilco municipal authorities. Meanwhile, hundreds of trucks, buses, and other vehicles are unable to head south into Mexico City. The protesters reproach the inaction of the Xochimilco municipal authorities, who they say have failed to address the water shortage in the area's colonies for over a month.