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Nicaraguan Locals Blockading Roads"
Nicaraguan Locals are blockading roads in an effort to force the government to improve local infrastructure.
Nicaragua: Puerto Cabezas is now the site of a roadblock of angered men. Using buses, chains, and rope, they are pressuring the central government to improve the poor condition of the roads. The group consists of all people affected by the road conditions-- truck and bus drivers, community members, and more recently, the regional government.
In the dry season a truck can expect to take the better part of two days to make the 340 mile haul from Managua; current estimates put the trip at eight to twelve days.
"This is the worst it has ever been," says Nelson Suniga, official spokesman for the roadblock, "it is in total disrepair."
Over a four day period, they have succeeded in forcing the closure of the airport, all state governmental offices for collecting tax revenue, the local bank, the port, and the phone company. Their goal is to stop the efflux of any revenue bound for Managua-based business or the central government until a promise is given to improve the highway. Amid criticism from Managua, the Regional government has also declared a state of emergency for the area.
At the moment, Managua has responded to the regional governments immediate demands by citing a budgetary shortage. According to the transportation minister, Pedro Solórzano, the government has designated a supposed 96 million Cordobas (approximately 6.4 million U.S.D.) to begin work during the next calendar year.
Although talks continue between both groups, it's questionable what immediate actions will be taken toward a ethnically disparate population 300 miles away that offers very few votes in the national elections. Until there is resolve, offices will remain closed. The regional government has begun to look toward Caribbean states and Miami for food relief should the embargo continue well into the future. The question of total autonomy from the Pacific government is often raised by representatives of the regional council. But with the prevalence of Managua based businesses in the area, the concept is quickly dismissed. The enclave will live on.
Contact: Eric Becker
Ebecker2002@yahoo.com
For more information:
http://www.polosbastards.com/nicaraguablockade221103.htm
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