FARC blow up water supply

international | worker & community struggles and protests | news report

Tuesday March 14, 2006 15:19

by Gearoid O Loingsigh - Colombia Solidarity Network

blow to community organisation

FARC attack town water supply

The FARC blew up the water supply to the town of Saravana in the department of Arauca. The water supply is run by a community cooperative ECASS. ECASS has successfully resisted all attempts by the corrupt public officials and local elites who have tried to have it closed down and replaced with a private company that would charge exorbitant rates for its water.

they like a number of other coops in the region have received threats from the paramilitaries and harrassment from the State which has subjected them to monthly audits and external investigations without fail. Many leaders of these coops have been arrested and charged with rebellion and being members of the guerrillas.

In July last year a Colombia Solidarity Network delegation to Colombia met with leaders from these coops and were impressed by their commitment and dedication. They have gone to jail , their fellow workers have been murdered by the State and now their work is to be undermined by the FARC who have killed a number of social leaders in neighbouring Botallon and other rural parts of Arauca.