Leaders from El Carmen Fight for a Bridge and Dignity

Sixty leaders from villages of the Lower Lempa River valley met to advance their struggle for the construction of the bridge over Rio Roldan.  Many of these leaders are veterans of the war in El Salvador. These residents of El Carmen have been frustrated for fifteen years; asking the Mayor to build the bridge but nothing has been done. At the invitation of Episcopal Priest, Fr. Antonio Lopez, COFOA has provided training in support of this community in their fight for a bridge and for their dignity

Cassandra Marklin Jacobo is frightened that she and her young son who suffers a cardiac disease must wait for hours to go to the clinic when the river is swollen by rain.  One person has drowned in crossing. When the mayor refused to meet, leaders met first with the Governor of Usulutan and then with the City Council. They promised to begin fixing the road immediately and start work on the bridge next year. A little dignity is being restored.