Colombia: Environmental and sanitation emergency in Bogotá February 1

Event

Local authorities in Bogotá declared a public environmental and sanitation state of emergency on Thursday, February 1, over a large amount of uncollected garbage in the capital. The declaration comes amid a strike (and related protests) by unionized workers of Aguas de Bogotá - a public services company specializing in the provision of sanitation services.

The declared state of emergency allows the city to employ private sanitation workers to assist in garbage collection; Colombian police and army forces are also expected to assist in the cleanup efforts.

Context

The Aguas de Bogotá workers are reportedly protesting a possible dismissal of some 3700 employees after the company failed to procure a public contract; the workers have claimed that the dismissals already declared amount to a "labor massacre."

Advice

Individuals in Bogotá are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.