A group of truck and dump truck owners from the provinces of Herrera and Los Santos held a peaceful protest this Thursday with a partial road closure at the San Luis junction in Los Santos.
According to their statement, they have exhausted all attempts to communicate with authorities and contractors, without receiving a favorable response that would allow them to work in the area where the projects are being developed. Gathered in the area where the Los Santos–Macaracas road project is being built, truckers protested to demand their inclusion in the projects being carried out in the region.
"This is a project long-awaited by the community, but we, local transporters, have been left out," they said.
"We always talk to the authorities and they ask us to wait, but in the meantime others work and we just watch," added the group leader.
"We have waited patiently to be taken into account in the state's projects."
The transporters called on the authorities and contracting companies to establish a dialogue that would allow for equitable participation, and warned that they will continue with their pressure measures if they are not heard.
"We are about 60 truckers in the region and the same thing happens in all projects."
They claim that despite being legally constituted, they continue to be excluded while trucks from other provinces are hired.
"Our trucks have been displaced," stated Rigoberto Escobar, a leader of the cargo transporters.
In turn, Agapito Domínguez, a member of the group, explained that they have formally organized into an association with the goal of operating under clear rules and in unity, seeking to prioritize the local community in the projects developed in the area.
They also stated that local labor has been relegated, as the contractors "bring in personnel from outside," reducing job opportunities for residents of the Azuero region.
"We need support. This is our way of life," the affected stated, noting that this situation directly impacts their family economy, as many have financial commitments and depend exclusively on transporting materials to make a living.
