March for healthy water

From the website of the NGO Crispaz:

“El Agua no se vende se cuida y se defiende,” chanted the protesters
(You do not sell water, you take care of it and defend it)

One hundred and twenty five organizations and social movements organized a protest last Friday, October 5 asking for “Blue Democracy”. Blue Democracy sums up the Salvadoran social movements’ demands for increased investment in potable water throughout the country, a study of hydric resources, and just water law that benefits the Salvadoran population and protects the resource.

In celebration of International Water Day, 30,000 people marched through the streets of San Salvador , empty water containers placed on their heads symbolizing what they do not have in access to in their communities, water. The majority of the protesters were women, as it is women and children who are left to resolve the water crisis for their families. They often rise before the sun to begin the search for water. Hauling water from the polluted rivers and creeks to drink, cook, and wash clothes and dishes.(more)

Among those in the march were former US Ambassador to El Salvador Robert White, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and Maryland legislator, Ana Sol Gutiérrez. For images of the protest, check out the El Faro photo gallery or La Prensa's coverage.

You can view my previous posts on the problems of potable water in El Salvador at this link.