Protest SDE residents complain of blackouts and high bills: “We have to fan ourselves with our hands”

To the rhythm of banging pots and pans and chanting slogans, dozens of families from the Cayenas and Amalia residential areas protested Thursday night at the intersection of Coronel Rafael Tomás Fernández Domínguez Avenue and Freddy Beras Goico Street, rejecting the prolonged blackouts that, according to their complaint, are being caused by the Eastern Electricity Distribution Company ( Edeeste ) in those sectors.

“We’re fed up, we can’t stand this anymore. We pay a lot for electricity here and we have no peace and quiet at any time,” said one of the residents, indignantly, while the banging of pots and pans echoed.

For her part, another protester stated that they had been unable to sleep for three days due to the stifling heat, as the lack of electricity prevented them from turning on a fan.

“We don’t sleep; we haven’t slept for three days. We have to fan ourselves with our hands,” the woman said, adding that despite the prolonged blackouts, their electricity bills continue to arrive with very high amounts.

Community members said they were living through another nightmare, and urged the central Government to take action.

“Government, we are yours. Please, help us. We’re not sleeping. Electricity is incredibly expensive, up to 30,000 pesos, and when you go to Protecom ( the Consumer Protection Office for electricity),  you lose; you always have to pay . We’re fed up with the blackouts,” said a housewife, visibly upset by the situation, in a video posted by Harrison de Mora.

“We are tired. The worst nightmare of all time has arrived . What a national tragedy. The pain has returned,” added another local, while holding one of his young children in his arms.

During the demonstration, those present also set fire to tires in the street, which led to the immediate deployment of National Police patrols.

So far, Edeeste has not issued an official statement regarding the complaints made by the protesters.