In this Jan. 4, 2014 file photo, a vendor, right, prepares to fill his bicycle cart with 18-liter jugs of bottled water to sell to owners of street food stalls in Mexico City. Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said Wednesday, March 7, 2018, that intentional sabotage may be contributing to recurrent water shortages that have caused protests on the streets of the city of 9 million people. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)
Republished March 07, 2018 - 2:17 PM
Original Publication Date March 07, 2018 - 1:11 PM
MEXICO CITY - Intentional sabotage may be contributing to recurrent water shortages in Mexico City that have caused protests on the streets of the city of 9 million people, officials said Wednesday.
In recent weeks, officials have blamed dry faucets in many neighbourhoods on everything from power shortages to failing pipes and the spring dry season.
But on Wednesday, Mayor Miguel Angel Mancera said some group has been shutting off water distribution valves at about 50 points in the sprawling megalopolis. Mancera did not say who was believed to be responsible, but said anyone caught closing valves would be arrested.
The mayor said the city is purchasing lockable covers for the valves.
Residents will vote for Mexico's president and the city's mayor in July 1 elections, and some fear the sabotage may be politically motivated.
News from © The Associated Press, 2018