Citizens protest toll fee on the Alóag-Santo Domingo road
Citizens protested against the toll increase on the Alóag-Santo Domingo road, demanding reinstatement of a preferential rate for local transporters.
On February 25, citizens in Alluriquín launched a protest at the toll station on the Alóag-Santo Domingo road, primarily demanding the reinstatement of a preferential toll rate for local transporters. The protest caused temporary closure of the toll station, significantly disrupting vehicular traffic in the area. The increase from 25 cents to $1 without prior notice led to frustration among locals, who argued that the change was not adequately communicated by local authorities.
Juan Betancourt, the president of the Decentralized Autonomous Government of Alluriquín, voiced his grievances regarding the abrupt suspension of the preferential rate card, which he claimed had not been discussed with the community beforehand. This sudden hike created discontent among residents, especially those who already had balances on their toll cards that ceased to be valid due to the policy shift. Reactions from community members indicated a strong sense of unfairness, as they felt the decision adversely affected their daily commuting expenses.
Furthermore, the protest highlighted not only the financial implications for individual citizens but also for the intraparochial transport operators reliant on the toll road. The drivers expressed concern over the hikes affecting their operations and the overall mobility of passengers within the parish. The episode underscores a significant issue involving local governance and the need for more effective communication between authorities and the citizens they serve, suggesting ongoing tensions between community needs and infrastructure management in the region.