On Monday, May 18, a protest began around noon on Highway 57—near the Ojo de Agua area—staged by residents of La Gotera, Versolilla, Palma, Palo Alto, Jofrito, Jofre, Ojo de Agua, and Rincón. These communities, situated between the states of Querétaro and Guanajuato, are demanding a solution to the severe water shortage they are currently experiencing.
The disgruntled residents stated that for months, they have received water solely via tanker trucks; to block traffic on Highway 57, they have placed tires, drums, tree branches, and metal objects across the roadway.
Reports on social media indicate that the blockade has extended as far as Paseo de la República, near the Querétaro Industrial Park. Furthermore, on Highway 57 heading toward San Luis Potosí, the resulting traffic queue now stretches beyond the Industrial Park, impacting the alternate exit toward San Miguel de Allende and bringing traffic to a standstill on the Chichimequillas bypass.
As a consequence of the blockade, some motorists have opted to turn around and drive against the flow of traffic or to utilize alternate routes toward San Miguel de Allende.
“We’ve been stuck here for over 10 hours.”
The highway blockade remains in effect; around 9:00 PM, the National Guard reported that the total closure of traffic lanes persists. Additionally, representatives of the protesting residents have requested a meeting with a representative from the National Water Commission (Conagua) in an effort to reach a resolution.
Authorities are recommending that motorists take alternate routes, such as the San Miguel de Allende–Buenavista road or the toll-free Querétaro–San Luis Potosí highway. However, some social media users have commented that no viable alternate routes exist for certain sections of the highway and that they have been stranded since 11:00 AM.
Source: oem
