Delivers thousands of cases of bottled water to Monterrey Mexico
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos gathered thousands of cases of bottled water with the generosity of McAllen’s residents last week. Villalobos showed up to receive water from residents who responded to the city’s call to aid the state of Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
The northern states of Mexico are going through the most brutal drought that has left them without water, and they are taking drastic water conservation measures in hopes of surviving until the rain comes.
Increased water demand for human consumption and agricultural production has resulted in a rapid depletion of water reserves in Mexico, particularly in Northern Mexico. The forecast of high temperatures in the summer has triggered warnings of possible water shortages might be severely affecting urban and rural communities.
Mayor Villalobos told Texas Border Business that they invited the community and surrounding cities, especially the businesses, to assist in donating water that they transported to Monterrey and delivered to Governor Samuel Garcia.
Mayor Villalobos said, “The extreme temperatures coupled with a very severe drought is affecting, especially Monterey.” He continued, “They have no water. For some time now, the state officials have rationed water services for homes and businesses to preserve water. They need our help, and so we sprinted into action.”
He added that they would take as many semi-trailers as possible filled with bottled water, but it all depends on how much is donated. “Fortunately, local companies like CiL Commodities Integrated Logistics and Trancasa facilitated trailers, drivers, and diesel to deliver aid to Monterrey.
As the mayor worked receiving cases of bottled water, more businesses in the area were in a line of cars donating some 20 cases, others donating 50 cases, and some up to 100 cases of water. “We’re hoping everybody comes together in this effort to help our friends in the south,” he said.
The water collection started on July 1 at the McAllen Performing Arts Center. Villalobos said, “This is a humongous task and cannot be accomplished without the community’s participation. We plan to work receiving cases of bottled water through the 4th of July festivity and beyond,” he said.
Juan Olaguibel, Director of Operations for the McAllen-Hidalgo & Anzalduas International Bridges, said, “No one has to get out of their car. And it would be very much appreciated for any water, whether it be one case, five cases, or 10 cases. It doesn’t matter, the amount, whatever’s available and whatever can be spared.”
The drought has devastated the residents of Nuevo Leon. This is such a severe problem that only rain can solve. But as McAllen sends bottled water, Nuevo Leon Gov. Samuel Garcia has ordered the purchase of a cloud-seeding plane that stimulates clouds with water to release a type of precipitation where it’s needed, at dams.
Mayor Villalobos admits that the state of Nuevo Leon has been a vital partner for McAllen and the region, but as he says, this goes beyond. “I think this is something that surpasses what they mean to us. The state of Nuevo Leon is in crisis, and when friends are in crisis as citizens, this is what we do, we help.”
