Neighbors reinforce the blockades on streets, avenues and highways, after negotiations with the Government fail

The strike continueswere the words of the president of the Civic Committee, Rómulo Calvo, after learning that the Dialogue between the national government and the Santa Cruz leaders failed.

Thus, in the streets, avenues and highways, the people determined to reinforce the blockades and maintain vigilance. In some areas they have even divided into shifts to maintain the extreme measure.

“We had hoped that the ministers would put themselves in the place of the people, but no, they do not want to resolve this situation and these are the consequencess,” said Rosendo Toledo, from the area of ​​Villa Primero de Mayo, in time to indicate that to make the strike sustainable, their neighbors have organized themselves in shifts and cook in the common pot.

A similar version was issued on the double lane to La Guardia and kilometer 6, where they also assured that they will remain firm “until the last consequences, because the resources that Santa Cruz receives, is not only for the people of Santa Cruz, but for all Bolivians who come from other departments in search of medical care, education, or better job opportunities,” explained Bertha Sandóval, a resident of the area.

Another strategic place that has multiplied its blockade points is the route to the north of the department. Since the second ring road and Christ the Redeemer avenue onwards people have put stones, sticks, dry branches, tires, ropes and flags.

“We only let the ambulances through, to the garbage truck, the police and those who bring food,” clarified Remberto Ortiz, a resident of the fifth ring road and Cristo Redentor avenue.

He also added that support for carrying out the census in 2023 is not a political issue, but a necessity of citizenship. “It is not possible that they cannot see that we are in a bad way. We need more hospitals, more schools, more personnel, and the government describes this strike as a political whim,” he stressed.

This is what the route to the north of Santa Cruz looks like. Photo: Juan Carlos Fernandez

Nevertheless; The measure is not only lived in the Santa Cruz capital, the provinces also determined to reinforce the blockades, given the failure of the dialogue.

Towards the north of Santa Cruz, the route looks empty. There are blocking points in Warnes, Montero, Portachuelo, Buena Vista and San Carlos, where vigil points also increased.

Puerto Quijarro, after having reported the first fatal victim of the extreme measure (Juan Pablo Taborga), is still holding on.

In Camiri, the measure has been forceful. The residents closed the highway and streets of that municipality so that people must find ways to move.

Photo: Teofilo Baldiviezo