Conflict Over Water for Carnival

Residents of Campana in the the province of Panama West are asking the Ministry of Environment to reconsider its position on taking water from rivers during carnival.

While  Rio Capira in the district of Capira, Rio Mata Ahogado in San Carlos, and Caimito in La Chorrera are among the rivers the ministry has authorized water tankers to take water from, Gabriel Tunon, this district representative, warned that most of these river beds are already almost dry. In Capira there is already very little available water, and it is mostly located where people have built dams.

Mr. Tunon explained that allowing water tankers to fill from these rivers for four days would significantly diminish the water supply.

According to officials a total six tank trucks will be authorized to bring in water from the river at these points, and that water will be exclusively for “capireños” to enjoy carnival festivities.

The extraction of water for the tanks is permitted from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The culecos will be from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.